As a matter of fact at an introduction ceremony in Uganda everyone is smartly dressed. In fact if you dropped by in your jeans and T-shirt people would look at you like you were crazy.Come to think of it there is a lot of fuss at these occasions.
if you are wondering what an introduction ceremony is, it is a function where a woman introduces her fiance to her parents and family.It is such a big deal these days with some having over 400 guests like a wedding ceremony.Back in the days as narrated by my great uncle he went to be introduced and all he was required to take was a bible and a pen. These days though parents ask for or are given gifts as big as cars and furniture, a lot of livestock and money.
On top of all this there is a lot of fuss about the dress code with the bride to be changing over four times. There is also a fuss about the music. Every time the bride or her entourage walk in to greet the groom's side there has got to be a song playing so they can dance to it on their way in. Some people even hire musicians and artists to entertain the guests..
By the time the guests are served lunch time has really flown and the crowds are usually swamped by hunger.Lunch usually comes at about four or even six o'clock. The guests are then usually bid farewell after a long fussy day.
With this much fuss at an introduction ceremony one wonders how much fuss would actually be put into an actual wedding ceremony which comes after the introduction ceremony.
Interesting how things have changed!! When I did this ceremony in 1990 the bride only came in once - in one outfit! And the fiance was accompanied by about 30 or so people, so with my family it came up to about 100 people I think (maybe less). And my parents always told us how when my father went to be introduced there were about 4 or 5 people, only!! And it was important that the groom and his entourage left the bride's home before sunset! I think somehow the value and reason for the ceremony has been lost, and now it is a place to show off. If you could change it, what would you change?
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