Congratulations Kwame and Dzifa!

On Saturday, about one hundred people gathered around the garden at Becca Pools in East Legon, Accra, Ghana to celebrate the engagement of Kwame and Dzifa.

Our whole host family spent the week cleaning up the gardens around the house, getting new hair dos, and preparing for the big celebration.

White tents were set up. Round tables surrounded by chairs and topped with floral centerpieces surrounded the ceremony site. Balloons hung in the air and in the pool.

This engagement ceremony is also the traditional marriage – or joining of Kwame and Dzifa’s families.

The groom must bring gifts for the bride and her family. Some of these gifts include, but are not limited to:

-          Pieces of cloth

-          2 Bottles of Schnapps

-          A big suitcase

-          Underwear and brassieres

-          Assorted drinks – mineral/bottled water and soda

-          A bible

-          Slippers and matching bag

-          Jewelry

And a sewing machine or blender can also sometimes be added to the list.

This is in addition to the dowry that is to be paid for the bride. And since Dzifa is so stunning, I am sure Kwame handed over many, many Cedis.

All of these gifts and more are carried in on the heads of Kwame’s family. And Dzifa’s family receive them – including me, apparently, as I became part of the welcoming/receiving line.

A representative from Kwame’s family presents the gifts to Dzifa’s family as they sit across from each other under the white tent.

Kwame’s family is from the Ashanti region in Ghana and speak Twi. Dzifa’s family is from the Volta region and speak Ewe. The pastor made some really inspiring comments (lucky for me, in English!) about marriage as God’s will and we shouldn’t let differences – like tribe – or other divisions – stand in the way. He was much more eloquent and quite the story-teller. I’m sure more stories are to follow from my Sunday church adventures.

The clothing that each family wore represented their region. For example, some members of Kwame’s family wore Kente cloth, which is a type of silk and cotton interwoven fabric originating from the Akan people and known as the cloth of kings. It is royal and sacred – worn only during times of great importance.

Once the gifts were presented, it was time to welcome the bride and groom! Yes, the 45 minute ceremony that preceded was without the couple of honour!

Kwame’s family, featuring the HILARIOUS linguist at the forefront, danced and sang as he joined the ceremony. They greeted Dzifa’s family.

Dzifa’s family then danced and sang her into the tent – followed closely by her younger sister Yvonne. All smiles as Dzifa looked radiant in soft pink.

She asked her father for permission to marry the man she loves.

A bible and rings were exchanged all while SURROUNDED by paparazzi a.k.a. loving family members with cell phones and cameras.

Then we all received delicious drinks – mine a Passion Fruit Alvaro – simply amazing – and then a buffet style dinner was served.

Dinner was followed by dancing well into the afternoon and guests headed home as the sun set around 6pm.

The church wedding is set for a weeks from now and I am looking forward to attending this as well. I’m sure it will be another opportunity to learn about Ghanaian culture, experience an important tradition, and be part of this amazing family.

Better than any episode of Say yes to the dress.