Dowry Day

Travelled to Eastern Province today for a dowry introduction ceremony. An early start followed by 4 hours on a bus, but worth it for the whole experience.

The (prospective) bride's family and friends gather at her home - in this case, a beautiful house on a plain in Gatsibo district. Then the would-be husband arrives with his own family. After a quick welcome, the two fathers start a back and forth of jesting negotiations and exchanging gifts - a process during which, it seems, the woman's father can pretty much make the man's do anything (including sing and dance) in order to prove his son's worth. The bride's father then accepted the two cows brought as a dowry (and presents his son formally; the daughter emerges from the house and the young couple are formally engaged.

It was really enjoyable, with a live gospel band accompanying the ceremony, and special cowmen singing their own songs and blessing the occasion. The perfect mix of traditional and modern, which in itself signifies a lot about Rwanda, with no real stoicism and the formalities observed with humour.

The photo is of the couple being united in the centre and formally betrothed, which was a very sweet moment. Then we all had some food and jumped back on the bus for the four hour journey home!