The preparation started days ahead of the wedding and the wedding itself lasted for 4 days!! The day before the wedding we watched as 6 humungous pigs were slaughtered for the feast. Piles of chickens and fish, and a room full of vegetables were also cut up and cleaned for the big event.
On the day which the wedding began people poured in from every direction and from every trail. Some even spent the good part of the day hiking up and over a mountain range to get there. Our best estimates of the number of people were between 800-1000 guests!
After the bride and groom arrived the groom was escorted to a table with sacrifices on it to honor their gods and ancestors. We watched as the shaman said his incantations and the clan leader gave his blessings upon the groom as he bowed in worship at the table. Then huge strings of loud firecrackers were lit to frighten off the evil spirits. Then the bride got on the groom piggy back style with a beautiful red umbrella to cover her.
The new couple then disappeared into a top room of the house in order to bow to the family ancestors and to their parents and elders in worship. Afterward, the feast began and people gathered in circles around the house and on the dirt trail that had been covered in fresh pine needles. People ate to their full. The sun began to set and the dancing and singing began…..and didn’t stop for 3 more days!
Prayer:
