Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Marriage Feast

The day before, the bride’s family women perch in a circle of wooden stools in the clearing between the huddling houses. They’re cooking Banku and Okra soup, Ampesi and Garden-Egg stew, Jollof Rice and Beef stew, etc, etc. The chatter is high in the beginning, but drains off every now and then, until somebody ‘bribes’ their enthusiasm with a round of safe alcohol. Some are not joining in – too many cooks will confuse the taste, I guess. But they burnish the banter, and provide substitutes. The kids are playing close by; hoping to be favoured with testing-tasting first servings. A neighbour sets up mammoth speakers and belts Hiplife tracks on the humid air. Passersby look on amused. The atmosphere is sizzling with expectation, and with preparation. My best friend’s traditional marriage.

3 comments:

  1. aww makes me miss mine!

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  2. Anonymous18 July, 2010

    This is how it should be, how it was in the past. People showed up at weddings and funerals, not to eat for free, but rather to support the bride and groom. Whole communities would gather to cook and clean and it was gorgeous.

    I envy your buddy for having such supportive family and neighbours. Now, with a great traditional wedding,the precursor to a wonderful church event, permit me to wish the lucky couple all the best and as many children as they would like lol.

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  3. I agree with Daixy. This is how it should be. Wishing your friend all the best in marriage.

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