Sunday, November 8, 2009

Engagement at Mataheko

I attended an engagement ceremony this weekend. My first one ever, and I found it quite fascinating. From the back and forth banter between the 2 family reps to their stand up comedy routines. It was almost like watching a live local theater show. I had heard about how theatrical some of these engagement ceremonies were, especially among certain tribes but I'd never witnessed it because I was never remotely interested in anything to do with marriage. But with age and an increasing open mindedness, I've decided to try and experience more...

The engagement ceremony I atttended was not super exciting, but it had its moments. This was a union between a Ga and Ewe family.

Groom's family greeting bride's family

The 2 families seated across from each other



Gifts for the bride arrive









Transfer of gifts from the groom's family to the bride's.


The 2 family reps getting down







Are we done yet?

Presenting the engagement ring


The groom and the head of the bride's? family

The bride's family members with their dowry gifts

One day soon, it will be our turn


Goodbyes

The proud papa of the groom

Guests and family leaving the engagement



Posted by at

2 comments:

  1. Ghana_Hall_of_ShameNovember 12, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    That is one of our very beautiful traditions. I hope we don't lose it.
    I hear there are professional linguists for these occassions. That must make the events interesting & fun.

    Mike

    ReplyDelete
  2. ydNovember 12, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    Yes, I heard that too. And apparently they are hired by the family for occasions like this. Fascinating stuff.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)