This was a slightly unusual wedding as the bride and groom were older. But many of the traditions were still followed. Weddings in Botswana are a three day affair. On Friday night the bride and the groom go to the magistrates court for the legal wedding. On Saturday, they have an all day party to celebrate and there are many traditions to be followed. On Sunday, members of the community come to visit the couple and counsel them on how to have a happy marriage. The bride is kept inside a house with her family while friends prepare the food. She is not supposed to smile until she comes out and is greeted by her husband and her new family. All of the family members sit under the tree and they are introduced. Both families tell the stories of their families and the histories. Family is everything in Botswana. The Uncles and Aunts hold special positions of power. The friends of the bride and groom play the drums and sing and dance for the gathering. After the bride emerges, she is given a shawl and a headscarf by her mother in law and then she is considered a woman. After the gifts are opened, the guests are given traditional beer.
It is the job of the men to prepare the Seswaa which is pounded meat. Women prepare the porridge and the salads. The wedding party is fed first, then special guests, and the children eat last.
These ladies worked all day to prepare the food and are now able to take a break and enjoy the meal.
Prince, the groom, is wearing a very special Pith hat for his wedding day.
The more I read your blog, the more I learn so much about Botswana and its people! It is very much unlike the other African countries I have been in.
Posted by: Omar Barsawad | May 10, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations to the bride and groom! Thanks for sharing stories like this.
Posted by: Paul Lawrence | May 12, 2006 at 11:30 AM
Congratulations to the bride and groom! Thanks for sharing stories like this.
Posted by: Paul Lawrence | May 12, 2006 at 11:33 AM
this is a good webblog keep leaving posts and I will keep learining
Posted by: Johnathon | June 07, 2006 at 07:41 AM
Thank You Regina and Prince for marrying so that we could have something GOOD to read about!
Posted by: Raij | June 07, 2006 at 09:21 AM
I really enjoyed checking out your site - keep up the good work.
Posted by: Sara | January 19, 2007 at 01:19 PM
wow! Although we(my fiance and i) have been to botswana, but we have never ever seen the wedding. It's so different and unique. thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding pictures. i definitely will go back to visit the country.
Posted by: pauline & wk tse | March 27, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Thnk you for doing so much for our people. God bless
Posted by: Leabaneng Natasha | May 16, 2007 at 04:57 AM
Thank you for doing so much for our people. God bless you. You are pacesetters.
Posted by: Leabaneng Natasha | May 16, 2007 at 05:06 AM