The highlight of January was an invitation to the engagement of our neighbor's daughter. First all the disclaimers for the photos! We weren't expecting any opportunities to take photos so Mike took these on his phone. Even worse...I know this is vain, but I look so bad! It was pouring rain so my hair inflated and turned fuzzy like a Q-tip. Added to this, my neighbor lent me a proper dress for the occasion...in green! There is just about NO shade of green I can wear, but this one was the worst possible. I hoped for a head scarf like the other gals (to cover my hideous hair) but she thought I'd be uncomfortable since I'm not used to it. Uhg! I also didn't know how to tie the skirt, or that the top has a hook and eye to keep is nicely in place. I felt so ugly all night! It's for your benefit that I'm posting even ONE picture of me that night.
Despite how I felt, it was an amazing night! I'll try my best to cover it all. In Muslim engagements, the groom isn't even there! Nor his parents! The rest of the family: siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. come to do all the negotiations. This was my favorite part. The families sit opposite each other with the engagement gifts between them. If the groom's side provides 9 gifts, the bride's side will provide 11...always plus two. I'm not sure of the significance. The gifts are cakes, candies, and fruit arranged and prepared in the most amazing of ways. I hope the pics do them justice. The wedding arrangements are agreed upon before the bride joins the party. The families plan the details in rhyme and song. They agree on bride price, number of gifts to be given, dates, times, locations, etc. Amazing! After the plans are agreed upon, the bride comes and sits on a decorated pedestal for the giving of the ring. Odd for us, but an aunt or sister of the groom is the one that puts on the ring. After this, the bride poses for pictures with family then there is a feast! That's the brief version of the night. Of all my experiences living cross-culturally, this is my favorite! Enjoy!
