Hospitality is a large part of this lovely culture! Such an example to follow. Susan and Ruthie (the ladies who's home I eat in) invited a newly wed couple over a few days ago, along with his brother and mother. Even though I was unable to understand all the conversation I was so blessed by the beautiful example of a new family who's foundation is in Christ.
As arranged marriages are the norm here, this was one of the cases. Although they had met in 2006, and were able to see each other on and off until now, they were waiting for her to finish her education. She was living in Dhaka (the capital city), and he here in Malumghat. His father passed away a few years ago so his Uncle helped arrange for everything to take place. The decisions made here are very family oriented! This includes marriages. The bride had never been to this area of Bangladesh, so I'm sure this will be a huge adjustment for her - moving to the country, living with a new family (since he is the eldest son he is expected to care for his widowed mother and be the head of the home, so they all live together), new friends, new church, possibly a new job, and of course the whole marriage part.
He definitely has taken on the leadership role of the home, so encouraging to see. He was talking of how each night they have family Bible Study together before dinner. He works on the compound in administration, and is also a elder/deacon in the church.
I was able to attend their wedding shortly after I arrived here. So different, yet so beautiful! The day before the wedding a traditional turmeric ceremony is held. This is called 'gaye holud' which means yellowing of the body . This is where turmeric spice and other curry spices are mixed together and smeared on the wedding couple to make their skin beautiful for their wedding day. I was able to go to this ceremony and participate in the activities.
The grooms family household where the turmeric ceremony was held
Family and friends gathered waiting for the bride and groom.
One of the nursing students in my class with her little beautiful daughter. Even the little ones are dressed so beautifully in their sari's. As orange/yellow is the color of the turmeric applied on the couples skin most people are wearing these colors.
Close friends/relatives of the couple bringing out food for them.
The bridal party. She was so beautiful! It is respectful for the couple to look solomn as the bride is now leaving ties to her family. Speeches and prayers were made.
Grounding up of the turmeric and other spices
Each person present would put some of the spice paste on their fingers and rub some on the couples arms and/or face. After this we fed them some of the food set infront of them. Here is the grooms Mother putting the paste on her son and feeding him.
The Wedding!! So an advantage of being the new person is you get pulled into things normally most people aren't. I was able to have a sneak preview of the bride while she was getting ready before the ceremony. Absolutely beautiful - of course!
Church ceremony - message, youth choir singing, vows, signing of the certificate, instead of kissing they place a string of flowers around each others neck.
The 'feast' was held in the church yard. The food consisted of rice (of course), goat, fish, chicken, vegetables in sauce, dahl (lentil dish), egg, and a type of rice pudding for dessert.
The couple with grooms Mother.
The beautiful couple :)
Church ceremony - message, youth choir singing, vows, signing of the certificate, instead of kissing they place a string of flowers around each others neck.
The 'feast' was held in the church yard. The food consisted of rice (of course), goat, fish, chicken, vegetables in sauce, dahl (lentil dish), egg, and a type of rice pudding for dessert.
The couple with grooms Mother.
The beautiful couple :)
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