The Cow Ceremony

Well, as pointed out by Hyacinthe, technically we didn't attend a cow ceremony. Instead Miri and I attended a Dot ceremony of Jacqueline, which is where the dowry for Jacqueline's family was agreed upon before her wedding on Thursday. Traditionally, the dowry in Rwanda is measured in cows, which means the groom's family must give enough money for a specified number of cows, as well as gifts and champagne.

We arrived at Leonard's house at 8am to be fitted for our dresses - imikenyero - traditional Rwandese celebration dresses. 

We then traveled (in the most rickety minibus ever) to the Tumba registration office for the marriage registration.

Miri, Leonard and I

Promise (Leonard's daughter), me and Christian

Miri and Leonard

Me and Christan

Jacqueline making the vows

Miri and I with Jacqueline

We then went to the house of the bride's family where the Dot was held. 

As well as the speeches and negotiating between the two families (we didn't have much of an idea what was going on) and drinking of bright green and bright blue 'champagne', there was traditional dancing, singing and a procession of the bride and groom. 

Alvin, Miri and Jean-Louis

Family Portrait - with Alvin, Leonard's son

Me and Hyacinthe

 We had a wonderful time playing with the children after the ceremony, taking photos, and having everyone admire our dresses. We even wore our dresses back to Butare to show Hyacinthe and Libby - and Miri and I felt like celebrities as everyone on the street was so impressed with how smart we were.

I'm now really looking forward to the wedding on Thursday - we'll get to wear the imikenyero again! 

Merry Christmas from Rwanda! Here's a Christmas greeting Rwandan style.