Music, Honking and Kanagjegj things...

It is Wedding Season in Kosova!

Unlike American Wedding season, there is SO much going on in Kosovo during wedding season, and the sights, LOTS of sounds and knowledge of what's going on makes it also that much more exciting. So lets start with a rundown from Proposal to walking down that aisle of what I know and have seen thus far.

Engagement.
     When a woman or man becomes engaged it is ALWAYS a reason to celebrate. It is the introduction to a new life chapter, and a time for growth and the coming of new things. Kosovar tradition calls for late night fireworks at the house, celebratory gunshots and further letting the neighbors know your good news by blasting music into the wee hours of the night. The grooms family then starts preparing for the arrival of the bride (nuse) by buying her beautiful dresses and clothing to have upon arrival.

Bachelorette Party
     Kanagjegj - the Albanian word for what would be deemed the bachelorette party in the US. I recently attended a Kanagjegj for my host mothers niece and it is a very interesting celebration. It is primarily for the bride's family to celebrate her, to see what her future husband has done for her and to say good-bye before the big day. Everyone gets dressed up, just as they would for the wedding. The celebration is usually held at a smaller restaurant and family files in as they please. Once most attendees arrive, the music gets turned up louder and the infamous (what I am dubbing) Albanian circle dance - begins. It is when you do different steps rhythmically while "dancing" in a circle holding hands. During Kanagjegj there is about 7-10 outfit changes by the bride to be and each outfit more fabulous than the last. During one of the dances the groom will show up and they may dance together quickly. During this time various family members will give money to the bride and the Bridegroom as gifts for them. The bride usually starts out with the traditional outfits and works her way up to a red dress that she does the Henna ceremony in. The Henna ceremony is where the bride dips her 5 fingers in henna and leaves an imprint on paper for her mother to remember her by while family members sing songs about missing her, and jokingly "bashing" the groom's family for taking her away from them. During this part of the ceremony, is when the bride is allowed to "grieve" briefly for her family and her past life before looking forward and celebrating her new beginning.
    
     After Kanagjegj there is another celebration where the family celebrates the wedding and the bride's family prepares to take her to her future house with her husband and his family. There is lots of music, family and friends and they all line up in cars like a motorcade with Albanian and Kosovar flags. When it is time to take the bride to the house they file out one by one and beep their horns almost all the way to the grooms house. The bride's car is usually covered in red and white ribbons and other decorations which makes the car look like a present with boos and trimmings attached (fitting huh?). During this drive she is typically dolled up looking her best in a beautiful gown.


Wedding Day!
     I have not attended an actual wedding yet but form what I am told it is a BIG to do. Weddings are usually held during the week, on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening and is at a big restaurant. It lasts for hours with dancing and eating prevalent throughout the night. Family, including those of the diaspora*, and friends come from near and far to celebrate the new start of the family. To let people know the wedding is coming the family will continuously play music at the house from 3 days before the wedding to three days after the wedding (Music is a big celebratory thing here). During the reception, the couple dances to the traditional wedding song and the dancing goes on for hours.

     Wedding season is an amazing and busy time in Kosovo that can not be fully described but really should just be experienced. With so many weddings occurring every week you are bound to be invited to no LESS than one a summer (and that's being generous in the minimum). Here are some photos from the Kanagjegj I attended with my host sister, brother and host Mother!

Host mama and I.

 Recent Bride in Traditional wedding attire

 

Nafi and I

Recent brides and the Bride to be in the middle

Ready for dancing!

 Albanian Circle dance!

 

Bride and Groom dancing

Another traditional wedding outfit.

Her henna dress - my favorite!

During the Henna ceremony.

Singing about the Groom's family.

Dancing after the ceremony!

My family and I!

Mama and her qikas (chicas)!

Preparing to take the bride to her groom's house.

Happy Wedding Season!

____________________________________________________________________________________
*Diaspora refers to the family members who are abroad but are Kosovar Albanian. After the conflict/war in the 90's many left in search of safe havens and work in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Canada and the U.S. They typically return to visit family in July-August, during wedding season, and help bolster the Kosovar economy with an influx of money during this time. They also support relatives in country throughout the year with allowances etc.