Beti: "The bride Nishan grew up in this neighbourhood. In typical Ethiopian society, close neighbours share good and bad times with the family. This is a happy occasion where all the neighbours, friends and family are invited to celebrate.

In our culture, it is customary to say goodbye to the people who are elderly when the bride leaves her home to start her own life. The bride should kiss the knees of the elderly member of the family and friends and show her respect. It is a mixture of saying goodbye to her previous life and the people in it and thanking them for raising her and supporting her to this point in her life. In my picture, we see her kissing the knees of one of the neighbours and the neighbour is giving her blessings and wishing her a happy marriage and good future. I love this part of the ceremony because it touches my heart and shows that we have a wonderful tradition."

[Photo by Beti]