 As stated, the wedding arrangements come into full swing a week before the nuptials themselves. Throughout this period, food is prepared - chiefly chickpea bread (buke me qiqra), as relatives, friends and well wishers visit both the groom's and bride's respective homes to congratulate them. The presents that are handed to the groom and the bride's trousseau are exposed in display at their respective homes together with their wedding gear. Relatives from the man's family will then proceed to the home of the bride's parents to request for her presence at the celebrations, carrying along with them wine, blossoms and a platter of ice, sweets, money all topped up with a cake.
The Albanian bride-groom will proceed to request for the presence of the godfather known as 'kumbare' and his best man or 'vellam'. This period of merriment is filled with great feasting and entertainment. Late into the
night, at just about midnight, the couple getting married, together with their relatives and comrades, walks off in reverse bearings to three different water sources to fill two urns. Money in form of coins is tossed into the air at every juncture during the procession. |
