Tanzanian Wedding Receptions(long)

[Caropooh]

OK, my church needs help from my Dis friends!
We have a member of our congregation that is from Tanzania. He has had a very hard life. He has been jailed for his beliefs, lost his son and wife to illness, escaped from Tanzania while attending his sons funeral and can never return or he will be arrested. He still has one son that lives with family there.
He is getting remarried! The dating and engagement to the woman to some negotiating with her family. Even though they both now live in the United States, their courtship was like they were back in Tanzania. He had to ask her family permission to date her and marry her and arranged for a dowry. Her familys big concern was that he has no "tribe" here in the US. The tribe is everything to Africans. He considers us, his church family his tribe. So he had to convince them that yes, even white people can be his tribe and support him wholeheartedly! So, her family/tribe are responsible for the wedding and his are responsible for the reception/feast/party!
Here lies the problem! We know nothing about the African traditions and such. Of course to compound it, we are in Seattle WA and the wedding is in Maryland on May 6! Doesn't give us a whole lot of time to plan! We have started a planning group at church, but have no idea where to start. Anyone know anything about African wedding traditions and customs?

 

[Gaspode]

Hiya,

My friend spent 9mths in Tanzania on work experience at a local school. I believe she may know something about the traditions and I'll ask her for any suggestions.

All the best with your endeavours, what a great bunch of people you are

Gaspodé

 

[experiment626mom]

They do sell cookbooks from this area. Look for one that has wedding feast suggestions. How sweet of all of you to take this on!! All the best!

 

[Caropooh]

Thanks to both of you so far!
Caspode, anything your friend may know would be a great help! I think this is going to be a very interesting cultural learning experience! Our family is planning on flying back east for the wedding, our DD's are so excited!

 

[Conkozan]

found this

http://www.xs4all.nl/~ator1316/

 

[debster812]

I just googled Tanzanian Embassy and got a listing for the address, phone number, and email to the embassy in Washington DC.

Here is the link:

http://www.embassy.org/embassies/tz.html

I bet there is someone at the embassy who handles protocol issues, and would be able to help you.

Good Luck

 

[minkydog]

You know, just when I see a question that has to be nearly un-answerable, the DIS comes through. You guys are great

 

[Caropooh]

You know, just when I see a question that has to be nearly un-answerable, the DIS comes through. You guys are great

Isn't that the truth! I knew if anyone could help, it would be DIS'rs! We have our first planning meeting tonight! This should be exciting!