The Wedding(s)
Awareε
(Ukwamkela abaYeni)
Saturday, 26 October, 2019
10:00 am
Dress: African Heritage
1 Cedar Key Avenue, Dorchester Heights, East London
The Ghanaian traditional marriage ceremony. Here, the groom’s family presents gifts and Tiri Nsa (Lobola), a significant token of appreciation to thank and honour the bride’s family. This is the equivalent to (Ukwamkela abaYeni in Xhosa culture).
Matrimonial Ceremony
Friday, 13 December, 2019
9:30 am
Dress: Smart
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 44 Albany St, East London
The families witness the official marriage ceremony in the church according to Christian religion. It will be followed by a family gathering at the bride’s homestead.
The Bridal Voyage
(Ukwamkela Uduli)
Friday, 13 December, 2019
13:00
Dress: Smart
1 Cedar Key Avenue, Dorchester Heights, East London
A pre-wedding family gathering at the bride’s homestead which serves as the formal send-off of the bride. She is accompanied by an entourage called Uduli to the groom’s home town where she is recieved with ceremony.
Umtshato WesiXhosa
Saturday, 14 December, 2019
10:00
Dress: African Royalty
Nobanda Homestead, Nqamakwe Mission, KwaNobanda, Ngculu, Nqamakwe
The flagship event for the wedding process (at the Groom’s homestead), where family and friends and the community acknowledge and celebrate the joining of families. This will be celebrated with the slaughter of a beast.
Utsiki
Sunday, 15 December, 2019
12:00
Dress Code: African (Xhosa)
Nobanda Homestead, Nqamakwe Mission, KwaNobanda, Ngculu, NqaUmakwe
The bride is formally introduced to the community and her new family in a special welcome ceremony. She is ‘delivered’ by her family and then remains there for 1 – 6 months, accompanied by her Umnqungu, a young maiden to keep her company in the homestead and assist with chores.