A Malagasy Wedding

Spokesmen meet at front door

The mpikabary (the spokesperson) stood outside the house and called out to the members of the household to announce our arrival. The groom and his entourage—including me (Tom)— waited for approval to be let in.  The mpikabary for the bride came to the door and announced his pleasure to see this group coming to visit them.  To this the groom’s mpikabary replied that it was us who were honored and that we came with the hope to discuss a subject of great importance.  Our group also came with a gift so as to honor the bride’s family and to be let into the house in order to have this important discussion.  After another back and forth, we were allowed into the house.  Our group sat opposite the bride’s family.  The two factions sat quietly for the most part, while the two spokesmen sparred off in a number of speeches mixing proverbs, poetry and formal speech as they considered the worthiness of the groom’s offer of marriage for the bride.

View from the groom's side of the room

 The speeches were long and formal, and yet beautiful in their content.  We were blessed enough to have an interpreter throughout to help us understand the rich speech.  This tradition dates back to the times of the kings and queens of Madagascar, but here it was interspersed with beautiful references to God and His saving work and the freedom from shame.  There was even a time when we paused to hear a sermon and sing praise songs.  It was a wonderful blending and merging of cultural tradition and redeemed life.

It had taken nearly ten speeches to get around to the reason for the visit.  It was stated many times, that these things should not be rushed.  It took many more speeches for the bride’s family to agree, including a wonderful moment where the groom was put on the spot and it was demanded that he state his love for his bride.  This was all rather whimsical since the engagement had been blessed and the wedding had been planned many, many months before.  After agreeing to the marriage we were told that we could leave, at which time our mpikabary very wisely lingered with more speeches asking that the bride be brought down before the groom left.

The groom finds his bride

Finally the door opened to reveal the bride.  But instead her cousin entered.  “Is this the daughter you wish to marry?” the mpikabary asked.  Everyone laughed as the groom replied, “No”. Another woman was brought out, but this too was not his bride.  Finally the groom was sent up to search the house for his betrothed, and with much smiling, laughing, and cheering, he brought her down and into the room.  A few more speeches were made as the ceremony came to an end. Then it was time for photos and lots and lots of food.

There was another wedding ceremony a few days later.  It was much like the weddings we celebrate in the US with a church, a reception, a wedding cake and dancing.  This ceremony was wonderful and fun and familiar.  But, the traditional wedding, with its speeches and proverbs, mpikabarys and gifts, was something all together different.  It was an honor to be able to experience it!

PRAYERS ANSWERED
The trip to Madagascar to attend our colleague’s wedding went well. One teammate’s luggage was delayed but she was able to borrow clothes until she was reunited with her things. The wedding was a wonderful celebration. Megan and kids survived their week without Tom, thought they are happy to have him back. Our colleague on the small island finally got his visa (though he did have to go to the big island to get it).

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Pray for Tom and our teammates as they enter back into island life. Pray especially for our one teammate who is coming back after a month’s absence— pray for a smooth transition back into island life and language. The earthquakes continue (scientists have recorded 19 moderate quakes in the past week). The earthquakes make islanders uneasy, pray that it could open opportunities for good conversations. A political demonstration this past week was apparently dispersed by the military using tear gas (a new technique that has many upset). Continue to pray for the political situation. Continue to pray for this month of fasting— for its opportunities and challenges. We get a big increase in requests for financial help from island friends and acquaintances this time of year— pray that we would be able to be generous and wise in our giving.