A warm welcome to Brides From Africa
This week, I have a line-up of stunning Ghanaian Brides for your entertainment.
The Republic of Ghana is located along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean, in West Africa. Ghana is bordered by the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east and the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean in the south.
Often times, Kokooko is performed a week or two before the actual marriage ceremony. The knocking (kokooko) is derived from the Ghanaian tradition of a visitor knocking at the entrance of a house before entering.
For the knocking ceremony, the groom's family takes along two bottles of Schnapps (alcoholic drinks), some money and kola to present to the bride's family. When the drinks are presented, a designated spokesman from the groom's delegation formally asks the bride's family for permission to enter the house and announce their intentions. If the drinks are accepted, then it means permission has been granted to the visitors to state their intentions.
The spokes person then explains in the most lyrical language, that the groom, has seen a "beautiful flower" in the house of the bride's family that he desires and would like to "uproot" the flower, not steal, from its keeper.
They ask for the bride's hand in marriage and inquire about what is required in order to keep the flower.
Once the intentions are announced, the bride's family may ask the groom and his family to come back at a later date.
If the bride's family is pleased with the background checks on the groom's family, they will send a list of items to the groom and his family to provide before they can marry the bride.
This list is commonly made up of, but not limited to, the following
Dowry/or bride price - often an undisclosed sum of money
Dowry/or bride price - often an undisclosed sum of money
2 bottled drink of whisky or Gin
Money for the bride's father
1 bottle of expensive whisky & a piece of cloth
A pair of sandals and money for the bride of the mother
Jewellery for the bride
At least 6 pieces of traditional wax print cloth for the bride
Engagement ring
Engagement bible
Shoes, headpieces, other gifts for the bride
Drinks, money and food for the guests that will be present to witness the ceremony
Money for the brothers or male cousins (if bride has no brothers)
For the traditional wedding, on the set date, the groom and his family, along with invited guests show up early at the bride's house.
Elders from both families begin the marriage ceremony with a prayer and introductions. The groom's family begins by presenting the dowry and all the other items on the list .
Once everything has been presented to the bride's family, a decoy can be used to "tease" the groom. The groom is asked to verify if this is indeed his bride. Once he confirms, she is asked three times by her father if she agrees to marry the groom.
She is also asked if they should accept the dowry and the accompanying gifts from the groom's family. When she agrees, the groom slides the ring onto her fingers, kiss's and hugs her.
The married couple is now congratulated and each elder in the room offers marriage advice to the new couple.
Afterwards, there is a huge reception where food & drinks are served. There is lots of music and dancing till nightfall
Photos are courtesy of Allthingsammamama, Myjoyonline
There is more on Ghanaian weddings here & Afrykaconnect.
Thank you for visiting. Please leave me a comment.
If you have bridal photos to share from your place, send it to me via email and I'll share it here and give you credit. I love romance and swooning over bride photos is my hobby.
Love
Stella
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Flirty & Feisty Romance
Flirty & Feisty Romance
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