Cultural Differences: Food

The best part about living here is the range of available and economical fresh, tropical and exotic fruit all year round!  But, in relation to Peruvian cooking: as a whole, this country's cuisine doesn't really fit into a box like some international flavors.  After moving out after high school, I loved exploring new foods, especially the vastly different flavors from around the world (think Mexican, Indian and Japanese).  So, it’s funny that Peruvian food didn't immediately hit my palate as something to be exotically enjoyed.  Having a Peruvian family and eating my lunch meals at the children’s home throughout the week, I am exposed to more everyday Peruvian cooking than most expats. It’s taken me a while to warm up to Peruvian food in general, but I’m glad that there have become a few things that I look forward to more regularly. 

Although I enjoy baking, cooking is not one of my favorite past-times, though I don’t mind too much when I have more time.  So, before marriage I was admittedly a little daunted and nervous about the having to cook for another and to figure out Peruvian cooking.  There was no need to fret.  It didn't take long to realize that as long as The Man has some meat, potatoes and/or rice all in good size portion, he is more than satisfied (sounds a lot like those farm boys back home).  Though I have learnt to cook a few specific Peruvian dishes (like Lomo Saltado), I can’t say that most of my cooking is “Peruvian”.  It’s also taken me over a year to get white rice down to near-perfection (fluffy and the just-the-right dryness), and so far that’s only for two (the family-sized potful just never turns out right).  I have been learning to distinguish between which of the hundreds of here-available potato varieties are best for baking and which are best for frying.  I have picked up some neat little tricks for high-altitude cooking like this one: just add a slice of fresh ginger to the pot to speed up cooking time for vegetables.  Learning to use a pressure-cooker was initially daunting but vital for cooking at over 11,000 ft.  I have also learned to adjust my schedule to fit in more time for shopping, washing, prepping, and cooking: because there are few ready-made, quick-to-make, pre-packaged food items to be found in Cusco! (Potatoes do not come pre-washed - that is a luxury, Canada!)

For years before coming here I rarely ate potatoes, white rice, pasta or white bread, but here  the diet is mainly (have you guessed it?) white starches- and pretty much every typical lunch or dinner meal is accompanied by white rice and/or potato.  Marriage is good for mingling favorite meals from both sides and for encouraging healthy-eating (more vegetables for him and less easy-out “non-meals” for me- like chocolate cake or corn chips and salsa).   Some days are Peruvian, some days are Canadian, some are International, and some are a mix of the in-between.  I will admit that my monthly grocery bills are higher than they could be.  In my almost two years here I have delightedly discovered where to find a variety of imported things that bring tastes from home, though it means trips to different grocery stores all around the city.  Some exciting discoveries that are often but not always in stock: cheddar and Swiss cheese (imported from New Zealand), small jars of pickles, and Chex Mix from Gatos Market; raspberry jam, small bottles of ranch dressing, Mexi-salsa and cranberry juice (made in Lima) from La Canasta; brown rice (also from Lima, but only found in this one Cusco store), dill, 5-blend Asian spice and other spices and sauces, and even Canola cooking spray from Oríon Market. 

I often find conversations with other expatriates and missionaries veer in the direction of food.  I like asking after people's favorite restaurants here.  Food’s just such a factor of home culture and what’s familiar.  We often miss those things that testify of convenience, those distinct flavors and favorites you can’t find here.  (It's kind of funny for me to realize how many of my blog posts have involved food).  Some of you may never know how appreciated are those care-packages sent from home!  I know a family that uses certain sugary treats sent from the U.S. for special occasions and rewarding especially good behavior (of their children, of course).  There's more than a few of us ladies with stashes of special tea-boxes in the cupboard.  I used to get my (somewhat coveted) cheddar cheese from a missionary who special-orders it by the block and brings it from Lima for a long list of missionaries.  (He deserves some tips).  A few of us were recently reminiscing about the convenience of boxed instant pudding.  Frankly, anything pre-cut, washed and cooked would be a great welcome to this city (perhaps that's also under category: luxury).

Truthfully, Peruvian food is quite healthy and to be vouched for: it’s all cooked from scratch- and that's not a bad habit to divulge in. And, Peruvian dishes have even been gaining International recognition. I know my friends and family from back home enjoyed most of the dishes in our wedding buffet last year (like Lomo Saltado).   For me it’s all the starch, and some of the strong meat flavors.  But, over time, I have warmed to the food in general and even have a few things I now call favorites.  

Dried toasted corn, salted and served with cubed cheese! Great for breakfast or snack.

Haba Soltero  (Broad-bean salad)

Arroz a la Cubana: Usually with rice, but in this case with potato cakes, fried banana, egg & avocado salad

Nabo with boiled corn and haba beans:  like eating spinach or brussel sprouts, this vegetable dish just makes you feel immediately healthier .  It's got a strong flavor though- a couple times a year is just enough!

Interested in trying a Peruvian recipe?

Lomo Saltado is a common tourist favorite.  It's a loin-strip beef stir-fry served with fried potatoes and rice and can be adjusted to your level of spicy based on the type of pepper you use.  My Mom and sister have long-ago inquired over this one, and make it back home.

Lomo Saltado:  beef stir-fry

Perhaps of interest:

If you are interested in trying some other great recipes, this is a great website with Peruvian recipes in English.

And this girl from church back home has an entertaining foody blog if you're the kind with time and passion for cooking.

An intriguing ABC News slideshow of What the World Eats- sure makes you think about all the packaged foods the First-World invests in, though it may spark other "food for thought".

And, the verse of the day (to keep it all in perspective):

It is written, "‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"  -Matthew 4:4

Privileges

 

Often when I am walking to the Casa J large passenger planes take off, heading North, high in the sky, overhead of the dusty dirt road.  It is one of those stark contrast moments that happen often for me here in Peru:  the technology of First World meets Third World setting.  And every time, I am reminded of how privileged my life is and has been.  How thankful I am.  For life, situations, opportunities and experiences.  For a husband, family, friends, church and support.  For things that make life easier!  That I can even take a plane from one continent to another.

I often try to imagine myself having grown up in a simple mud-brick home in the Andes, or a slum in Lima, or to be that child who has never been outside of his rural community, but watches tourists trekking past his land with their strange clothing, language and hair.  Put your feet in other people’s shoes- I highly recommend it!  The street guy sitting on the corner downtown, the struggling single-mom in your church or at work, even that annoying next-door neighbour.  When we put our feet in other people’s shoes we see things from a different perspective.  It gives us a door to understanding.  It helps us to love.

 

The Root

I don’t remember when I first had the thought that I would like to volunteer in an orphanage, but I know it was some years ago.  And I account that desire in my heart to love on the motherless to God’s formation of Him in my life.  Even before I had chosen to follow Jesus (after I turned 25), I look back and can see so many moments of Him at work.  Patient.  Calling.  Beckoning.  Waiting.  Sending different people or experiences to help me to understand over time who He is and the decision to be made.

The truth is, I didn’t give up my good stable job, sell my car, dirt bike and most of my other worldly possessions to come to Peru because I am some really good person.  I felt a higher calling to something that was instilled in me by reading His words.  I had been reading more and more about Jesus’ time on earth in the gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke & John).  His purpose.  His walk.  His heart.  Those are the things that convicted me to do more than just work to make a living and to have more things.  It was the scriptures talking about upholding justice for the poor and the fatherless that just spoke to me so directly.  After all, it’s through God’s people loving, following and serving that the injustices, oppressions and wrongs in the world will be made right.  Although God could miraculously fix all things, He has given man dominion over the world (Gen 1:26 & 28), and though man's made a big mess of a lot of things, He also allows us the opportunity to work with Him in making a difference, and in that becoming more and more like Jesus.

Experiences of Less

Finally, it was the fears of the unknown, of change, and of finances that I gave over to Him, and He took completely- filling me with peace, paving the way for my path to living in a third-world country and helping orphans.

I have adjusted to a lot of walking and packing into public transport to get around.  I am forced to exercise daily!  And it is so much cheaper and easier paying other people to drive and maintain a vehicle.

I have been given a period of time to wash clothing by hand.  I thank God every time I use our recently bought, second-hand washing machine!

I am getting used to being in an apartment with a few issues.  We have running water, a real toilet, an electric-powered hot-water shower!

Homes in the high-altitudes of the Andes don’t have insulating or heating systems.  But, when it is only 5-15 degree C, we have more than one electric heater, piles of blankets and warm clothing...we have ELECTRICITY!

Meeting Needs

With so many needs around us here, it is hard not to want to get involved in more projects or want to do more.  One of the things I have really admired and respected about my husband since the start is his generosity.  His travel business has been built around the focus of helping people, whether it’s purchasing dozens of plastic chairs for a community’s Cultural-Tours program, rounding up church members to donate used clothing for needy children, or providing work for rural natives thereby supporting their families and communities.  Even when tourism has taken a plunge, he is ready to help with various needs, putting others’ needs first.  I am proud of him for not being money-focused, but people-focused and love-based.

You don’t have to travel to another country or work with orphans to realize the privileges in life or to make a difference in the world.  The needs are all around.  It reminds me of the verses instructing us to "love our neighbour as our self".  It's the people closest to us that we sometimes don't see; the needs closest to us that we neglect.  In a recent conversation with a dear friend from the Yukon, she was talking about how she’s felt this need to do more, to show people their worth, that they are loved.  She is thinking of ways to work with young single mothers through her business, showing them their value and that they are loved.

The Greatest Privilege

At times I just have this overwhelming feeling ... sometimes accompanied by a moment:

• the lyrics of a song (listening to Shine FM online)
• or witnessing some sweet thing in nature (the striking sound of a singing bird fluttering between dry corn stalks)
•  or a unique experience (a Quechua lady reaching across language and cultural barriers to show her interest in and welcome to me in her remote community). 

But it’s more than the privileged moments in life - of having things, experiences or education:  it’s the knowing that I have made so many mistakes, done so many stupid things, am so undeserving and yet God loves me with an everlasting love that is greater than I can imagine.  That He called me and loved me first, just as He is calling or has called you.

It’s a feeling that just fills me with love for my Saviour, with tears in my eyes, and an overwhelming thankfulness in my heart.

No matter where I live or what the circumstances are, I know The Creator is with me, loves me, and goes before me. That is something pretty amazing and my motive for serving Him. 

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  -1 Peter 2:21

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17b-19

To me this music video really fits today...

Christmas Boxes for Easter

Well, this is a bit of 'old' news for us, though maybe new for you, and things I thought worth sharing with a few photos...

Back in February, Walter and I were invited along with other Sunday School leaders and teachers in Cusco to attend a two day session to involve teaching strategies and materials. We found out later that it was to be put on by Samaritan's Purse, and involved two days filled with children's attention-attaining and prayer ideas, songs and a detailed program for carrying out the actual event and post-program of delivering the Samaritan's Purse Christmas boxes (we had previously signed our children up for in November). 

I have packed those boxes in years previous in Canada, but had no idea the amount of work involved in delivering the boxes and the gospel focus to their program.  The S.P. team actually puts a heavy emphasis on keeping the news of the boxes from reaching the children before they actually receive them, and a detailed list of procedures must precede and follow the special Sunday School event where the boxes are actually revealed.

In the two day 'course' they shared some very heart-touching stories from past years in which the boxes were given out:

True Stories

A couple of years ago, the Christmas boxes were delivered to a group of children in a poor community near Puno, Peru, where they had previously been asked, if you could receive any gift, what would you want? 
Each one said: a pair of shoes. 
Well, the workers with S.P. knew that the likelihood of each child receiving a pair of shoes in just their size, would be near impossible, yet they prayed over these simple and humble requests, and some weeks later when the boxes arrived with the grand reveal to this group of children- guess what each child found in their box? 

A pair of shoes. 

 

Each exactly the correct size.

 

Another story involved a girl (I believe they said from Romania) who had also been asked previously, and with no knowledge of the S.P. Christmas box suprise-to-come, what kind of gift would she like if she could have anything.  She was an orphan, living in an orphanage, and her answer was: a mom and dad. 

Well, the Samaritan's Purse workers knew that this was not an answer that they could fulfill, but prayed nevertheless, and hoped that whatever she received it would be something special.

 

When the Christmas boxes arrived, the little girl recieved some of the normal gifts of hygiene items, paper, stickers and crayons, and a personal note with a photo of the giver. 

Some months later, the woman who had packed that box arranged to visit the orphanage where the little girl lived.  Having just been married, she and her husband desired to adopt.  They met that little girl and bonded with her, and some time later started the adoption process, eventually bringing her home as a child of their own.

 

What a powerful reminder: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

- Matthew 19:26

 

Our Class Receive Their Boxes

 

 

 

The older children from our class in Wimpillay were strongly encouraged for a few days before, to invite 1-2 friends with them to a very special class to be scheduled that Sunday, consequently Easter Sunday.  When our Special Party got underway, we ended up with 30 children- exactly the number of boxes that Samaritan's Purse had sent.  We were short one for a girl age 7-10, but gave her the remaining boy's box for age 7-10 (the S.P. representative quickly and discreetly ripped off the label).  We were all happy, and admittedly a little relieved, to see that when she opened her box, the things inside were not gender-specific, and she was as happy as the rest to receive her gifts!

 

All of the kids were given their boxes at the same time and instructed not to open them until the 'O.K.'.  They then all opened their boxes together. 

I watched one little boy, SO excited, open his box, look at the things inside, then close his box, then open it to see what was inside, then close it, then open it, then close it.  He was SO excited, giggling the whole time.  It was an inopportune time for my camera to fail me, but I captured one fuzzy photo of his extreme excitement (see below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the kids had never received a wrapped gift before in their lives.  Our Sunday School regulars said that the last gift they had received were the ones we had given them before Christmas (not much more than brown paper bags filled with fun bouncy-balls, stickers and candy).

 

But, as fun as the actual gifts are, S.P. makes a big emphasis on the TRUE GIFT.  We put on a special visual lesson, and had children come to the front to unwrap large fancy boxes enlettered with some of the special gifts that God gives (peace, love, joy, forgiveness, eternal life, etc.).  The kids receive a special story in each of their boxes, and those age 7-11 an invitation to a 12 week discipleship program with gifts of Bibles to be given at the end. 

 

Walter teaching

 

What gifts does God offer? (The regular Sunday School Teacher)

 

 

"PAZ"- One of God's special gifts to us (Peace)

 

 

We are a little sad that our time with the Wimpillay class has come to an end.  Some friends of the regular Sunday School leader have offered to help her out regularly.  But, we are happy that she will have the help from her friends, and pray that she will continue with energy and motivation with this growing class, and for their understanding of the special gifts God has to offer each one.



Easter Ingredients

As usual, I met Margarita in the market where we shop every Friday for the Casa J's weekly groceries.  Today was the busiest day I have ever seen that market!  It wasn't only for the last minute fresh items that the people were there to purchase, but also for all the extra vendors trying to sell their ingredients for the big Easter dinner.

Last year I blogged about the 12 Plates of Easter, an old Cusco tradition of twelve plates that are symbolic somehow of the twelve apostles.  Today, every family celebrates uniquely, with their favorites, and not many with twelve different plates; however, the traditional family dinner is served up every Good Friday.

Today I got a first-hand look at the ingredients that go into many of the favored dishes.



A very busy market

The meat aisle was practically empty today.  Eating meat is eliminated on Good Friday (out of respect to Jesus' death). 

Fish, however, is a common replacement, and the line-ups were long, wrapping around the corners.

In fact, many of the sought-after ingredients come from the sea.   Imported many miles from the coast, and with advantage to the nature of this holiday, some of these ingredients have high prices ranging from 75 - 150 Peruvian Soles per kilo.

L to R: a dried sea-weed, Chancaca and dried fish eggs.

Chancaca often comes in brown balls, which I finally learned today is actually a source of natural, unrefined sugar that comes from sugar cane. It may be processed and sold in different forms including different base ingredients like honey and orange-peel for flavoring.
It is a common ingredient in some Peruvian desserts like Rice Pudding, or the purple corn sauce called Mazamorra.

On the left are balls of Chancaca

Dried sea-weed (probably some kind of kelp) and fish eggs are commonly used in different soups, and surprisingly aren't that fishy in flavor. These red rish eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, zinc and DHA. 
The ancient Peruvian trekked many miles, many days to carry these healthful items from the sea to their Andean villages high in the altitudes.

A 100 gram bag of shrimp is selling for around S/. 7.50.  That's a little less than $3 CAD, which seems okay to me, but here is considered high (because of the holiday).
 

Preserve-dried shrimp.  Right upper corner: a bag of cinnamon bark.

Clam meat is also popular on people's mental Easter shopping lists as they shuffle along the busy aisles, looking for the perfect ingredients.  The clam meat below had been previously soaked and is ready to use; however, here it usually comes dry and should be soaked overnight for faster cooking.

L- R: fish eggs and the meat from small clams

More shrimp and clam meat

Many families prepare at least a couple of desserts for their menu, and boiled peaches are a popular one.  The peaches are skinned and boiled in sugar water with cinnamon and cloves.  Easy and delicious (no recipe required)!

Different cookies and breads are also prepared special for this occasion.  You know those meringue foamy-looking cookies?  Those ones are popular here for Easter and at Christmas too, and prepared in a range of different pastel colors (sorry, no pics).

 

These sweet-flat breads remind me of pop-tarts without the filling.  They are popular for Good Friday breakfast, but you can find them in some Panederias (Bread shops) all year round.    

 



Panacillos- sweet baked flat breads

 

Walter remembers when he was young, that they used to have special breads, tamales and hot chocolate for Good Friday breakfast.



 

These Catholic cross decorations are made with different live ingredients, bought to be hung above the principal family house door, symbolizing protection over the home.

 

 

 

 

Some other vital Easter ingredients:

 

-profound love, obedience, humility, service, sacrifice

miracles, resurrection, life, joy

saviour, soul-peace, eternity

 

 

 

What ingredients will make up your Easter this weekend?







Cultural Differences: Marriage & Children

There’s a lot to navigating a new culture.  It takes time and sensitivity to learn what areas are culturally offensive to people here.  It also takes time and grace to face the areas that I may be offended by.

Since we got married, it seems that it’s every Peruvian’s business to ask when we plan to have children?  Are we pregnant yet?  When will we have a baby?  Do we want a boy or a girl first?
I suppose that this is a common question for newlyweds in Canada, and perhaps worldwide, although in my culture I tend to think that it’s a query more common between closer friends and family. 

The issue I have is that even when I give an answer (that in my eyes should warrant an end to the question, at least for some time) the question is asked again on many more occasions.  I have had one lady that I work with ask me nearly every months when we will have a baby.  My answer the first time should have given us at least a year without harassment.  I’ve had another co-worker from the Casa tell me the same story three times regarding a couple she knows who were in their 30’s when they got married and started a family immediately because they “weren’t getting any younger” and how they now have 5 children (or is it 6?).  For crying out loud, an 11 year old girl that I see from time to time on my way to the orphanage asked me if I was pregnant yet.  And- when I have a baby will I want a girl first or a boy?  But- that doesn’t matter, right, only that it’s healthy.  (Her words, not mine!).  When I was 11 I was into books or building forts, and I really doubt that it ever crossed my mind about the pregnancy status of older women!  In fact, this girl was not the first young person to ask me this... a few days after our wedding, a girl of about 16 asked me if I was pregnant.  Immediately I looked at my stomach- I didn’t think I looked “fat”!  I was a bit surprised and taken a-back.   Where did that question come from?

A couple of weeks ago, in a common conversation in taxi, after answering the driver that I am married, and that no, we don’t have children yet, he asked if my husband is working.  “Pero, funciona tu esposo?”  He didn’t mean in the employment sense.  Just recently a nurse asked how many children we have.  I said that we’ve only been married 9 months.  Her first question after was, “but your husband works?”  I am still not sure if she was referring to the same as that of the Taxi driver or not.

Walter has told me that it is natural here for newlyweds to have a baby right away.   And the thing is that when a couple do have their first baby (or second or third) it doesn’t stop there: the question becomes “When will you have your next baby?”

So, I started to ponder why I sometimes find this question so offensive ... if not slightly invasive. 

I realize that I might be in the minority of those who feel this way, but I really feel that it’s a personal topic between my husband and me.  One that shouldn’t involve the rest of the world’s ear pressed up against the glass, or outright eagerness to know our plans... or what I can't help but feel is a judgement of whether we are complete and happy or not.

It came to me that one of the first questions that those who are newly introduced ask in North America is usually along the lines of “So, where do you work?”  After "how are you?" one of the most common questions people ask in a general conversation is something to do with: “How’s your job going?” In Peru, I hardly ever have people ask me questions related to work, or even if I do work or not.  Even the taxi drivers, when making the every-day chit-chat, will ask “How many children do you have?” before they’ll ask “Where do you work?”   It makes me think of how in North America, we tend to identify ourselves with our work.  But, here in Peru, persons identify with family.   I’m not saying that family doesn't have as high a value in Canada.  But, in Peru, everything revolves around family. 

Family members tend to accompany someone to a doctor’s appointment, even when it’s something very minor like a cold.  Family is represented in the wedding party over friends, such as at the head table, where the bride and groom are accompanied on both sides by their parents.   One member’s problems are really the whole family’s problem.  Decisions for one are made in part by each family member.  Families work together in everything.  When I have asked Walter’s nieces and nephews under 13 years old what is their favorite thing to do, their first response is almost always that they like to help their mom or dad... doing chores, helping with cooking, helping look after younger siblings.  In North America when you ask a child what their favorite thing to do is, it’s pretty likely to be based on their own individual preference for something.

And that’s a big part of it- mine is of an individualistic society, and although family is high on my list of values; those values may be cultivated or shown in a different way.  My culture doesn’t tend to associate productiveness or contentment with having children, nor is it selfish not to have them.  It is okay to spend some time in marriage, just the two, getting to know each other or to focus on other goals such as travelling or career first.  Family planning often involves strategizing on many different levels, thinking with more of a long-term perspective.  Despite all the family planning that people might plan, the change from 2 to 3 is ultimately in the Divine One's hands anyways.

I’m sure that there are other things that contribute to the cultural outlook on Peru marital expectations, but for now these observations are eye-opening for me.

The truth is, that when we do have news to share we do want people to be happy along with us- whether that’s in a few weeks, months ... or years, but in the meantime we want people to be content for us in where we are at this time, too -  which is pretty good!

Even here there is a shifting and broadening point of view between the older generation and newer.  My husband understands where I come from and can chuckle with me later at the comments I have sometimes found offensive in the moments of my day.  Even he can’t get over the Taxi man’s comment of whether my husband “works” or not.

All things observed, there are no rights or wrongs in either culture... just different. 

It’s interesting and helpful to dig a little deeper to understand the basis of the whys and the how’s of two different cultures.  The better part is learning how not to take offense, while learning how not to offend.  Afterall, learning to forgive the offense of others, to not dwell in offenses, and to not offend others is part of the challenge of following Jesus.
And this, I imagine, will present ongoing growth opportunities as different culture-related differences are revealed.

Other Bible verses that can help with learning and growing in forgiveness and not holding onto offenses:
http://www.openbible.info/topics/holding_grudges

Two Peruvian Weddings

A Country Wedding

Back in October, Walter and I were invited to a traditional country wedding, taking place in a community about 2 hours outside of Cusco.  This is a traditional community that still wear the typical dress of their area, as seen in the photos below - so, no, not just special wedding gear!  (Although, you can note that the younger generation are starting to wear more common pants and jackets). 

Every community, district, region in Peru have their own traditions.  Many country weddings take place over a period of three days.  This one was only one, starting around 11 am, and ending in the early evening.

The couple, Juan and Fortunata, are in their early to mid twenties and were married in their evangelical church by their Pastor.  We arrived late, and had missed some of the more than two hour long religious ceremony.  The couple and guests had already been adorned in colorful confetti, marking the exchange of vows as husband and wife. 

There is not much difference to the wedding outfits from their everyday outfits, but one thing that changes when man and woman go from single-hood to being married, is the design on the beaded strips on their hats.  The intricate designs on the beaded pieces change to a more simple one, with more white that symbolise a member's marriage status.

After the exchange of vows and rings, a main message, words said by different important people, and after singing some worship songs as a congregation, Juan said some words, and the service ended, as new man and wife came down the aisle, leading in procession all attendees out of the mud-brick church, along the mountain-side to the celebration site. 

The tradition in Peru, much like other Latin American cultures, is to have two couples represent you as Padrinos (godparents) at your wedding as witnesses.  One act as an elder couple who the promised couple choose, looking up to in values and standard of marriage, who help with organising the wedding, and who the newlyweds will go to for marriage advice in the future.  The other are also specially selected as a respected  pair who provide the wedding rings.  In the Peruvian farming communities, wedding bands are not always purchased, but if they are, they are simple silver or gold bands.  The couple tends to wear the rings on the right hand, though some Peruvians wear them on the left (apparently there is no standard in regards to this tradition).

The celebration site was a large community yard, where all of the guests sat outside along the perimeters, and were served the special dinner.  Some of Juan's brothers had been preparing the meal in the community kitchen while the ceremony was taking place, and it was the men from Juan's family who served the guests.  There was Fanta and Inka Cola served in plastic cups, boiled potatoes, moraya and chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), then a soup, boiled choclo (large kernels of corn), and the main plate of more boiled potato and chuño, and baked guinea pig and spagetti noodles.  As special guests from the city, they made sure to provide utensils for us, though the limited bowls and plates were used as people finished, and to serve the next guest.

The couple had hired a band from Cusco who were having some problems setting up due to intermittent rain, but finally got the party started with typical Andean music, and likely some dancing to follow.  We didn't stay, but gave our gifts to the couple at the head table, seated on both sides by their parents and godparents.  When you present your gift, the couple in turn give something back.  In this case it was a bottle of Fanta pop!

The couple in the middle with their godparents on both sides, participating to a worship song

Guests in the church



The happy newly-weds as they leave the church (more confetti!)

The guests heading to the celebration grounds

Men and boys serving the food

 

Inka Cola and Fanta pop

 

The couple at the head table surrounded by parents and their godparents  (the bottled pop below the table is to give as gifts to those who have come with gifts, and for the rest of the night)

 

Guests eating

 

 

A City Wedding

A couple of days before Valentine's Day, we attended a middle to upper-class wedding in the city of Cusco.  We knew Giani and Dina's wedding date months before, but received the invitation two weeks before, along with four others that we were told we could use to invite anyone we wanted.

The civil ceremony is what counts to the government here, and the couple were able to combine their civil and religious ceremonies into one.  The ceremony started at 5pm... well a little later to commemorate Peruvian time, and giving us the opportunity to really check out their decorations. 
The groom was nervous as he came in with his mother to stand at the front.  Some classical music started, and the bride and her dad floated in behind the bible-bearer, ring bearer, and flower girls.  The civil ceremony commenced, and was soon finished, with appropriate signatures in place and the judge's announcement of man and wife.
Then, the said wedding party went back to their 'starting places' and new processional music began, with the groom still anxiously waiting at the front stage. 
In Peru, rather than bridesmaids and groomsmen, the couple choose jovenes (youth) from their church who come in before the bride, forming an archway with flowers.  Giani and Dina had chosen a unique twist to the tradition, with every second of the young girls holding tambourines, and the guys holding bibles.  They did a little dance, sort of 18th century style, lining up and facing each other, and meeting in the middle with curtsies and dance steps, and then formed the archway with their hands held out to the partner across from them for the bridal entrance, and later for the newly married couple to pass under.

The ceremony was two hours minimum, with a full message, the vows, rings exchanged, the kiss, and then an announcement by the Pastor for the guests to lay money at their feet on a silken blanket - a tradition symbolising the bounty and plenitude of their future as a married couple.
After the ceremony all of the godparents, family, and then guests were invited to have photos with the couple.

And then, off to the ball... well it certainly felt like a fairy-tale-like ball anyways, with the reception held in a banquet room decorated for the occasion.  While the couple were whisked off for their private photos in some fancy place in Cusco (they chose the Plaza de Armas) fruity drinks and appetizers were served.  The centre table was set up with room for the couple, their parents, godparents, and pastor and his wife to sit on both sides.  The wedding cake was four-tiered and surrounded by eight other matching round cakes.

After Dina and Giani's grand entrance, they were seated, introductions of their wedding party were announced, the couple's dance started, and their godparents and guests were invited to dance with the couple.  It was around 11pm when the meal was finally served- lechón (deep-fried pork), tamales and bread,  and then cake, after the cake-cutting.  Guests then lined up to give their wedding gifts personally to the bride and groom.  Not long after, the couple visited each table, offering their little token of thanks (guest favours- little ornaments with the couple name and wedding date) to each person who had given a gift.  And then it was dance time!  Many people started to leave, fairly shortly after.

Pre-wedding decor, all ready to start

The bridal entrance for the civil ceremony

The couple after being announced man and wife by the Judge

The youth get ready for the new couple to pass through in their official marriage march

The newly-weds on their official march after the religious ceremony

 

The reception hall

 

The head table

Cake cutting

Two Peruvian weddings, both traditional, both similar and very different! 

Common-law relationships are very common here; with weddings beings so expensive, couples don't  feel convinced that they can get married for financial reasons.  A common trend in past years has been for churches or municipalities to put on "Massive Marriages" where it only costs a small amount to pay for the civil ceremony costs, with many couples getting married the same day, sharing the costs and celebrating later in a private family affair.