Experiences of a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia (2016-19) and further adventures…
A very special Owambo wedding day!
The night before her wedding, Heralia is calm, dressed in traditional Owambo tribe colors…… while the elders dance into the wee hours.As the bride’s hair is prepared…… Rachel, the flower girl, stays up very late.Early on the wedding day, the bride is escorted…… by the village folk…… to view the cattle given to her as wedding gifts.Her father identifies which cows came from whom.Visitors stayed in huts on the homestead or in pitched tents.It was a chance for friends to catch up…… and prepare the day’s feast.The kids, too numerous to count…The learners at the neighboring hostel enjoyed a good view of the festivities.One of the bride’s wedding gifts…… as another is slaughtered to feed the hundreds of guests.While the feast is being prepared, so is the bride…… although her makeup…… lasted only as long as this photo shoot.She doesn’t like makeup so most of it came off right after this shot.The bridesmaids assemble…… to help escort the bride out of the homestead…… while villagers keep up the constant singing and dancing.The final drive to the church…… where we get our first glimpse of the groom.The wedding party prepares to enter the church…… that is quickly filling to capacity.The service is lively, with music…… and dancing.While the groom…… and the bride ponder…… they are surrounded by singing…… and love…… and support.Everyone wants to record the big event!
When the church service is over, the couple are escorted back to the village…… for more pictures…… and more music…… and dancing.The pressure now off, laughter comes more easily.And jokes from the bride’s father help the levity.As always, the kids are fascinated by the whole affair…The music and dancing continue long into the night…
Congratulations, my dear friends. It was a privilege and an honor to share your special day with you.
Until 2019, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia focused on Community Economic Development. Before that, I was a high-tech executive, small business owner, consultant and business broker.
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3 thoughts on “A very special Owambo wedding day!”
Wooooow
This is a short history of a very long story. Thanks Tate Chris.
Saving the best for last, Chris?
Excellent post- thanks for sharing such an intimate moment in another world.
Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth to All!
Wow Chris. Such stunning pictures turned into a beautiful story en baie mooi uiteengesit. ‘n Presiese Oshiwambo troue (wedding). I’m testing your Afrikaans, lol. Well done.
Wooooow
This is a short history of a very long story. Thanks Tate Chris.
Saving the best for last, Chris?
Excellent post- thanks for sharing such an intimate moment in another world.
Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth to All!
Wow Chris. Such stunning pictures turned into a beautiful story en baie mooi uiteengesit. ‘n Presiese Oshiwambo troue (wedding). I’m testing your Afrikaans, lol. Well done.