Asmara, the wedding (day 2) - October 2nd 2005

 

The wedding continues on Sunday in the afternoon. Family of the bride sitting on one side, the family of the bridegroom sitting on the other side of the tent. The closer related guests in front. The ritual starts after lunch, when representatives of both families exchange promises of loyalty, a priest blesses the wedding, and the brides dress and gold are shown to - and approved by - the audience.

When the bride is dressed, she will enter the tent with the bride and have lunch with the mutual families, feeding each other, symbolizing the promise to support the other family if necessary.

The ceremony is concluded with cake and champagne and bride and bridegroom will open the dance. A basked is passed through the crowd to collect some money as a contribution to the wedding. The just married couple will then leave. The family will feast. .

Eritreans like to dance celebrating a marriage or other occasions. Traditional instruments such as the stringed krar and one string wata accompany modern keyboards and rhythm boxes, with a variety in the music played, because  the various ethnic groups have their own specific beat..

 

Lunch at the wedding (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Lunch at the wedding (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

The wedding ceremony (day 2) Asmara Eritrea.

Wata player & singer Tekeste Woldu at the wedding (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Bride & bridegroom at the wedding (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

The wedding (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Collecting donations at the wedding ceremony (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Balanced dancing at the wedding party (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Enjoying the Suwa at the wedding party (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.

Enjoying the Suwa at the wedding party (day 2) - Asmara Eritrea.