Last week my host brother got married. Here's a few photos for how it all went.
In the morning, the bride sits with her grandmother and younger siblings. She had to be guided around as she cannot see anything through her veil.
The village elders gather to offer prayers for their marriage.
After prayers, she is ushered inside this temporary room for some intensive hair and make-up while the rest of us chat and eat breakfast.
Following breakfast (served around noon), the bride's ready and it's time for gifts.
The night before, the party was centered in the bride's home compound. People visited and brought her gifts. Now it's time for the bride and her family to give away gifts to family and friends.
Many of yesterdays gifts are given to the bride for the purpose of her giving more away.
Most of the gifts are fabric or wash buckets.
Almost everyone receives something, myself included. The way the family system works, as my host-brother's wife, this bride is now considered my wife too.
When the gifts are all dispersed, my host father, the man sitting amongst all the women, offers words of thanks and prayers for blessings. Then the people go home, shower, and put on their asobees. In Gambian culture, families will buy matching fabric and get their clothing made out for special events. These are called asobees.
Kristin and I got asobees with my whole family. Unfortunately no pictures with everyone.
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Once everyone's ready, the hired DJ begins to play music and everyone dances well into the night. Some weddings will do traditional drumming instead of a DJ.
Meanwhile the bride and groom (note matching asobees) roam about, greeting and taking pictures.
Photo shoot continues for several hours.
The celebration continues late into the night with dancing and eating-I believe supper came after midnight but by that time, I was tuckered out and had gone to bed. Gambian celebrations wear me out!
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