Brian the Cutter and the Zulu Wedding

[LesleyH]

Well, after a long trip to South Africa with our family, we are back in the USA. We had a great reunion with many of our relatives and had a wonderful time traversing the beautiful countryside.

We spent a week in the beautiful Natal Province which is on the west coast of South Africa near the Indian Ocean. One of the days we drove up to the Valley of a Thousand Hills to watch a Zulu Wedding. As we were watching this magnificent spectacle, we looked at each other and said "we have to share this unique experince with everyone on Pricescope". The drum beats, Zulu dancing and magnificent singing were so amazing that I had tears pouring down my face!! Before I tell you all about it, here is a picture of Brian with the Bride and Groom in traditional dress.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

The wedding took place against the magnificent backdrop of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It started with a drum roll that echoed through the Valley.....

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

The bride placed her string of beads arround the groom's neck.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

The groom went to the "Sangoma" (witch doctor) to receive a blessing for the wedding. She threw the bones and had a ball of amazing smelling spices burning which filled the air with an unusual aroma!

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

The groom does not give the bride a wedding ring. A stringed veil is placed over the bride's face for the duration of the ceremony. The beaded head dress takes the place of the wedding band and is sewn into the bride's hair permanently.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[chrono]

Oh, those pictures are just lovely. It is always interesting to see how others celebrate their marriage ceremonies. I can just envision the sounds, sights and smells. Looks like you both had loads of fun. Welcome back to PS!

 

[LesleyH]

During the entire ceremony the women dance and sing.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

The groom celebrating!!!

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

And here is one of Brian and the Zulu Chief!

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[LesleyH]

Here's the last one of this series - the magnificent scenery.....I've got loads more wonderful things to share and will try to do so over the next few days.

LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com

 

[daboyzmomi]

These are simply breathtaking Lesley! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience with us.

 

[Matata]

What a wonderful gift you've given us by sharing your story and photos. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[Patty]

Wow! Thanks for posting these, Lesley. They are amazing. I love how happy the groom looks in your pictures!

 

[coreyzat]

So the groom carries a spear during the ceremony?! I bet NOBODY says anything when the time comes to "speak now or forever hold your peace."
Corey

 

[finerthings]

Wow, thank you for sharing!

 

[quaeritur]

Wow, Lesley, those are spectacular! Thanks so much for sharing them with us, and welcome back!

 

[Hest88]

Wonderful pictures! Thanks so much for telling us about your trip.

 

[pyramid]

Thank you for posting these photos and the description. I like reading and seeing things like this.

 

[KBerly]

Beautiful pics Lesley! Thanks for sharing them with us, love the one with Brian and the Zulu Chief!

 

[Diamondsbybree]

Thanks for sharing Leslie~!

 

[pqcollectibles]

Thanks for sharing with us, Lesley!! What a neat experience!!

The colors of the beads are sooo vivid!! Everyone looks so happy and festive!! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking!!

Brian looks very relaxed. Glad you got some much needed R&R!!