On January 26, Aminata, my 25-year-old niece, married. It seemed fitting to share this happy news from my family in Burkina Faso as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
Aminata is studying meteorology at the university in Bobo Diolasso, a major city in southwest Burkina Faso. Her now-husband is studying law. I’m happy for them but I hope Aminata does not give up her studies, which often happens when a young woman marries in Burkina.
A traditional wedding in Burkina is an intensive three-day event. On the first day, she prepared, receiving traditional tattoos on her hands and her feet, and lots of advice from women elders. They provided guidance on how to respect her new family and be a good wife.
On the second day, the groom’s family arrived with gifts. The family received the gifts, which included exquisite fabrics, shoes and a shawl.
On the third day, the final day, the ceremony took place. Then, the procession with music and dancing from her family’s home to her husband’s home.
What does Shea have to do with this? Shea is a traditional part of the ceremony. The new bride takes a container with her to her new home. Aminata (in red) is holding the container in the photo below, with my niece Fadilatou, her sister. Let’s celebrate shea and love !
