Inacio is our part-time guard, and he got married last weekend. We were so pleased to be able to attend his wedding, and I'll upload some photos here.
The church was decorated with paper chains and cutouts, some from English magazines.
The groom arrives first and sits on a plastic chair covered with a piece of cloth. The bride and groom look totally miserable during the whole wedding. They are supposed to look that way to convey the seriousness of the event.
Here's the bride and groom sitting next to each other after taking their vows. Now they are allowed to hold hands, but they still don't look at each other. They didn't look at each other during the vows, either. They are flanked by their "godfather and godmother". This is a couple who stays next to them during the whole wedding and who are to serve as their role models, advisors and counselors. The godparents guide them in everything they are to do during the wedding, and even show them how to kiss each other, after they are married. That part was quite fun!
The service lasted several hours, and included the vows, the blessing, signing of the license, and a sermon on marriage that lasted over an hour. The boys did great, and sat on chairs looking at books and such. They really have adjusted to sitting in church here. We didn't leave the church until after 1 pm, after arriving at 8:30 am. Bride and groom didn't show until closer to 10 am, though.
After they left the church and were driven (in our car) to the drop-off point, capulanas (the traditional cloth that is used for skirts, for wraps, for everything) were laid on the ground so the bride and groom's feet wouldn't touch the dirt. After they passed, the capulana would be picked up and brought to the front of the line. You can see one being thrown here.
Entrance to the wedding was strictly controlled, as apparently people try to sneak into weddings here so they can get a free lunch (which is a big deal). The yard is cordoned off, and a bamboo structure made with black plastic on top to keep the sun off the revelers. Long tables are set up, with benches. We were part of the head tables and had plastic chairs. As we ate, about 60 people stood and watched us from over the chest-high fence. Somehow it just takes your appetite away to have people stare at you while you eat. It is something we are getting used to, though! It was a big deal to have white people at the wedding, something which conveys the idea that we have some grand importance. We don't, but some people here believe that we do since we represent money and power. Sigh.
Anyway, here is a photo of the bride presenting a piece of cake to her mother and telling her that she is leaving her house and now all of the work she did for her like laundry and cooking, she will now do for her husband. It was a very touching moment.
Another interesting part of the celebration was the feeding of the cake by the bride and groom. The groom lays his head on the bride's shoulder, and vice versa, and she feeds him a piece of cake while the master of ceremonies talks about how when he is sick and weak, she will care for him. Here is Inacio with his new wife.
After the meal, which was some very excellent chicken and rice and cookies and cake, it was time for some dancing. The second seating of guests were busy eating their rice and beans (head table people get a better meal), since there was limited seating, and the wedding party (only men) got up and did some dancing. Kevin and Toby kicked it up a little, which was enjoyed by all.
It was a wonderful wedding, and we are so pleased for Inacio and his bride as they start their new life together. He is about 27 years old and she is about 19 (normal age for a girl to marry, if not a little old). He is just finishing high school this year (thanks to our sponsorship) and she is in 7th grade and likely won't get much further once the children come. Normal for here. They are a committed Christian couple and we look forward to observing their life together. - C
Monday, October 5, 2009
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