Weddings

I've attended 2 weddings since coming to Ethiopia; both were Protestant ceremonies. Wedding traditions vary greatly between the 3 main religions in Ethiopia. I don't know much about the Muslim traditions. Orthodox weddings often last several days (depending on when the $$ runs out!). They involve lots of dancing and drinking "Tech", a honey wine made locally. Protestant weddings are somewhat similar to what we are accustomed to in the States, with a few twists:

· festivities begin at bride's home in the morning, with close friends and family gathering. The groom comes in with his groomsmen to see his bride for the first time, but the bridesmaids block his view of the bride until the awaited moment… then a short ceremony, followed by some food.

· A car caravan (sometimes a limo, sometimes white Mercedes, and sometimes just a couple Toyotas) parades through the city with video camera leading the procession, filming the ENTIRE TIME! (Really now, who wants to sit and watch a bunch of cars driving through town for 20-30 minutes??)

· Guests welcome the couple outside the church when they arrive, and sing them into the church.

· Joyful worship – very lively gospel choir

· Wedding party sits down during a rather lengthy sermon

· While the couple recites their vows, beat box music is playing in the background.

· Four witnesses, usually elders in the family or church, go forward during the ceremony to sign wedding certificate…then bride and groom display the certificate for the guests to see…and the beat box music is still playing…

· After church program is photo program (similar to American tradition – sit and wait for an hour or 2)

· At reception, difficult to keep out "crashers" who come for free food, so you're supposed to present your invitation card

· Another "sermonette" is delivered before they serve the food at the reception

· Couple feeds one another the cake, and then the bride and groom feed each member of their bridal party

· Cake disappears in 4.2 minutes as everyone rushes the cake server with their plates

· The crowd disperses after the food…no dancing or drinking at a protestant service.