Evenson in Carmel, CA November 2011
Last week, we received the following text message from Evenson Thenor, who visited us in California a little over a year ago. He said, “I would like to marrying 24 September 2013. Please send me big orders for my celebration.”
How exciting! We’ve been having all kinds of fun speculating about what his bride-to-be looks like, the favorite guess being that she was the original model for his sculpture called, “Angel Dance.”
She’d be a beautiful bride! REC281
Haitian wedding traditions are colorful and festive, with an emphasis on music, dance, and community. As you might expect, invitations are spread by word of mouth throughout the church and community of the bridal couple. The bride and groom process together in the company of her bridesmaids to the church, which is festooned with colorful sheets and curtains. The couple takes their place in front of the altar, where they are seated, facing each other throughout the ceremony. Lasting for up to 3 hours, the service typically includes several choral selections performed by the choir as well as bible readings by the pastor or priest, and sometimes poetry readings by a friend or family member. The marriage license is also signed at this time. The end of the ceremony is signaled by the wedding party performing an elaborate dance as they exit the church.
The reception, which lasts most of the rest of the day, includes a great deal of feasting and merry-making. Gifts are often given, but cash gifts are considered to be in poor taste. The bridal couple eats their wedding cake in their home a few days after the wedding. Of course, Evenson and his bride will put their own signature on their wedding; observing some traditions and perhaps creating one or two of their own. However they choose to celebrate, it will be a special day, indeed.
Contributed by Linda for Beyond Borders/It’s Cactus