I am continually impressed by the deep-rooted cultural influences on daily life. Here in the Kingdom of Buganda, the largest modern-day Kingdom in Uganda, it is tradition that prior to a wedding, a pre-wedding ceremony is held during which the bride-to-be introduces her groom, his friends, and family to her friends and family. The Introduction generally lasts around six hours and includes many edifying traditions. In late August, I had the opportunity to attend an Introduction with my friend (and favorite) Hellen, our lead medical dispenser.

The Introduction took place on a Thursday, so the Wednesday before we traveled to Masaka in search of a gomesi – a colorful, floor-length dress that is traditionally worn by women in Buganda. Customary clothing is worn by men and women alike at Introduction ceremonies. Men most commonly wear what is called a kanzu, a shin-length tunic paired with a suit coat.

Thankfully, the shop that we went to in Masaka had one gomesi that was long enough for my 5’10” frame. The gomesi is relatively heavy and difficult to walk in. It is designed to reach the floor, and often drags. Anyone that knows me also knows that I am not a fan of high heels. What shoes does one wear with a gomesi, you may ask? High heels. Despite the Battle of the Heels, I must admit that I was very comfortable (though sweating) throughout the day. The gomesi is one piece of fabric, held together on the body by two buttons near the left collarbone. A large belt is then tied at the waist to ensure that the gomesi does not open. Dressing was complex compared to formal wear generally worn in the United States. Pants are worn underneath and a piece of fabric is often worn to give the illusion of wider hips and a full backside. Thankfully I was assisted by the sister of the groom, who was incredibly helpful and refrained from laughing at me when I tried to dress myself – incorrectly, of course.

After dressing, we traveled with the groom’s family and friends to the village of the bride, where the Introduction occurred. Upon arriving, we were seated and fed…a lot: chicken, beef, rice, pumpkin, sweet potato, Irish potato, matoke, and greens. The bride, Olivia, remained inside for the duration of the meal and throughout the beginning of the ceremony. Following our feast, there were vibrant performances from children and adults. About two hours into the ceremony, Olivia came out in a striking baby-blue, lace-overlaid gomesi. She changed outfits three times throughout the course of the Introduction, with each outfit growing more extravagant. Gifts were presented from the family and friends of the groom to the family of the bride. The brothers of the bride received chickens, as is custom, and the father of the bride was gifted a couch. The family as a whole received a rainwater collection tank in addition to a plentiful amount of soda, beer, sugar, and flour, among roughy 25 other items.

On the morning of the ceremony I left Engeye at 9am and arrived back home at around 10:30PM. The day was long but I am incredibly grateful and honored that I had the opportunity to attend such an important and fascinating cultural ceremony. Plus, I felt like a princess in the gomesi.