Cultural Village

A couple weeks ago we were able to go to a cultural village to see traditional dancing, and learn more about traditional Batswana culture. It was nice to take a break from the training room. I wanted to post pictures but the internet is refusing. So I'll try another day. To continue the story:

After the dancing, they did a mock-traditional wedding so we could see what it’s like. One of the volunteers was a good sport and allowed us to marry her off. Her birthday was the next day so we thought: ‘what could be a better present than a Motswana husband” right? It started with the lobola being negotiated. Lobola is dowry for the bride. The standard rate is eight cows. The husband-to-be has to give the cows, or a cash equivalent, to the woman’s family before they can be married. Once lobola was decided in this mock-wedding they shook a bag of bones/rocks and tossed them to see if it was going to be a good marriage. To be honest, I didn’t really understand that part – but I guess she passed the test.

Then the new husband and wife went to their hut. Apparently traditionally the older women in the village peek through the windows to make sure the girl is struggling because that means she’s a virgin? It was definitely awkward. The best part was that they told the guy and the girl how to act. So in the “morning” after the girl comes out crying (success?!) and the guy came out strutting. I think that meant the deal was sealed. It was a lot of fun seeing it and everyone was a good sport.