traditional Rwandan clothesThe ceremony included many elements of a traditional dowry ceremony in
The cutting of the cake and feeding each other the “first bite” are important ritualistic elements in Rwandan elements as well. After cutting the cake, we served the members of each other’s “family,” symbolizing the significance of hospitality in our home.
A Rwandan Christian dance troupe from a local church came and performed at the ceremony. With loud beats from the drum coupled with exuberant singing, women and then men dancers performed some of the most elaborate and skilled dancing we have yet to see in Rwanda. As we suspected, they invited us into the dancing.
Antoine and Bob dancing
The dancers presented several traditional gifts to us. The picture below is of a wooden container of milk. Milk implies a desire for a home blessed with many children.
AEE, Urwego and Le Rucher all presented gifts to us. Pictured below is Antoine Rutayisire presenting us a gift from the AEE Rwanda team.
We felt so honored to be celebrated and loved by our friends and “Rwandan families” here. We truly felt immersed in Rwandan culture, feeling a deeper connection with the people and their traditions.
3 comments:
Bob and Kristi - Sounds like an incredible celebration! So glad you had this opportunity to celebrate with your Rwandan family! Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story. Michelle and I are praying that you would continue to be blessed and be a blessing during your last week in Rwanda.
Dear Bob & Kristi,
I am helping plan a Rwandad wedding reception. I was wondering if I could contact you about Rwandan wedding traditions. Any insights you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I am helping plan a Rwandad wedding reception. I was wondering if I could contact you about Rwandan wedding traditions. Any insights you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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