Rwandan Traditional Wedding Clothes: A Guide to Dressing for Special Occasions
The History of Rwandan Traditional Wedding Clothes
Rwandans have been wearing traditional wedding clothes for centuries. The traditional Rwandan wedding attire is a reflection of the culture and its values. The most popular item of clothing for a traditional Rwandan wedding is the kimanga, a long, pleated cloth skirt. This is the traditional dress for the bride, and is usually adorned with intricate embroidery and beadwork. The groom typically wears a suit or tuxedo, and is often accompanied by a traditional Rwandan hat or cap.
Traditional Clothing for the Bridal Party
The bridal party will typically wear traditional clothing, including the kimanga for the bride and the suit or tuxedo for the groom. The bridesmaids may wear traditional Rwandan dresses or skirts, while the groomsmen may wear traditional Rwandan hats. Additionally, the wedding party may choose to wear traditional Rwandan jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Traditional Accessories for the Bride and Groom
The bride and groom may choose to wear traditional Rwandan accessories, such as headdresses, necklaces, and earrings. The bride may choose to wear a traditional Rwandan headdress known as a kinyinya, which is made from beads and feathers. The groom may wear a traditional Rwandan hat, known as a kigali, which is usually made from straw. Additionally, the bride and groom may choose to wear traditional Rwandan jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Choosing the Right Colors for Traditional Rwandan Wedding Clothes
When choosing traditional Rwandan wedding clothes, it is important to choose colors that are appropriate for the occasion. The traditional colors for a Rwandan wedding are blue, green, yellow, and red. These colors represent the four elements of Rwandan culture: the sky, the earth, the sun, and the moon. Additionally, certain colors may be associated with certain clans, so it is important to choose colors that are appropriate for the bride and groom’s clan.
Conclusion
Rwandan traditional wedding clothes are a reflection of the culture and its values. The bride typically wears a kimanga, while the groom typically wears a suit or tuxedo. The bridal party typically wears traditional clothing, and the bride and groom may choose to wear traditional Rwandan accessories and jewelry. When choosing colors for traditional Rwandan wedding clothes, it is important to choose colors that are appropriate for the occasion and the bride and groom’s clan.
