10 Surprising Middle Eastern Marriage Traditions

Summary

In this episode of FTD Facts, Leroy Kenton explores 10 unique Middle Eastern wedding traditions. From the intimate Tolby where the groom's proposal is formalized, to the vibrant Zappa dance celebrating the newlyweds' grand entrance, each tradition reflects the region's rich cultural heritage. The script also touches on the Henna night, a bachelorette-like gathering for women, and the Moroccan Kaftan, highlighting the diversity in wedding customs across the Middle East.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Middle Eastern weddings traditionally have two main events: Nike and Walima.
• 🤝 The wedding process begins with a meeting of the families and ends with a farewell to the newlyweds.
• 👪 The 'Tolby' or 'Tulba' is a private event where the groom formally asks for the bride's hand in marriage.
• 💍 'Engagement' or 'Khutba' is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings and wear matching outfits.
• 🎎 'Runway Radwa' is a pre-wedding event where male relatives help with preparations and ensure the bride's parents enjoy the ceremony.
• 🌺 'Henna' is a popular tradition where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with henna, often accompanied by singing and dancing.
• 🎉 'Henna Knight' is like a bachelorette party for women, involving dancing, singing, and celebrating the bride's future.
• 🤵‍♂️👰 'Wedding Ceremony' involves signing marriage documents, with the couple dressed in royal garments and holding candles.
• 💃 'Zappa' is a traditional dance in Lebanese weddings, marking the grand entrance of the newlyweds.
• 🚗 'Barmet Al Arus' is a farewell celebration where the couple is escorted to their new home with music and noise.
• 👗 'Moroccan Kaftan' is a traditional garment worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony in Morocco.
• 🏖 'Egyptian Honeymoon' varies by region, with rural couples staying home for the first week and urban couples often spending the first night in a hotel.

Q & A

What are the two original traditions of Middle Eastern weddings?

The two original traditions of Middle Eastern weddings are known as 'nike' and 'walima'.

What is the significance of the 'tolby' tradition in Middle Eastern weddings?

The 'tolby' tradition is a private event where the groom formally asks for the bride's hand from her parents after both families have agreed to the marriage proposal. It is a moment for blessings and the recitation of Surah Fatiha.

How is the engagement ceremony, or 'khootba', conducted in Middle Eastern weddings?

In the engagement ceremony, also known as 'khootba', the bride and groom exchange rings and wear matching color clothing. It is similar to a wedding or dinner party arranged by both families.

What activities take place during the 'runway radwa' event in Middle Eastern weddings?

During the 'runway radwa', male relatives from both families help with decorating and setting up the bride's home. They also ensure that the bride's parents have a great time and resolve any issues before the wedding.

Can you describe the henna tradition in Middle Eastern weddings?

Henna is a common wedding tradition where the bride's female friends sing Arabic songs and draw henna on the bride's hands and feet. There's also a henna night, similar to a bachelorette party, where friends and family celebrate the bride's new future.

What is the 'zaffa' or 'zappa' tradition in Middle Eastern weddings?

The 'zaffa' or 'zappa' is a traditional dance performed in Middle Eastern weddings, especially in Lebanon, marking the grand entrance of the newlywed couple. It involves music, dancing, and sometimes the bride is carried on shoulders to the event.

What is the 'dobkey' or 'debka' dance in the context of Middle Eastern weddings?

The 'dobkey' or 'debka' is a folk dance performed by professional dancers and wedding guests in a circle during some Arab weddings. In Egypt, belly dancing is performed instead to entertain the guests.

What is the 'barmet al arus' tradition and how is it celebrated?

The 'barmet al arus' is a farewell to the bride and groom before they leave for their new home. The couple goes into a decorated vehicle, followed by relatives and friends who play loud music to announce the marriage.

How does the Moroccan 'kaftan' tradition manifest in weddings?

In Moroccan weddings, the bride wears her best kaftans, which are long coats or overdresses with long sleeves, during ceremonies that can last from three days to a week.

What are the differences between honeymoons in rural and urban parts of Egypt?

In rural Egypt, newlywed couples typically stay home for the first seven days of marriage before receiving visitors. In urban areas, couples often spend the first night in a hotel and then travel to a resort, either local or overseas, for their honeymoon.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Middle Eastern Wedding Traditions

This segment of the video delves into the traditional customs of Middle Eastern weddings. It begins with an introduction by the host, Leroy Kenton, who explains that originally, these weddings featured only two main traditions known as 'nike' and 'walima.' The script then details the modern sequence of events, starting with a family meeting and concluding with the farewell to the newlyweds. The video highlights several specific traditions, including the 'tolby' where the groom formally asks for the bride's hand in marriage, the 'khotba' or engagement ceremony, and the 'runway radwa' where male relatives assist in preparations. The segment also covers the popular 'henna' tradition, the 'henna knight' which is akin to a bachelorette party, and the signing of marriage documents during the ceremony. The host emphasizes the cultural significance of these rituals, often accompanied by music, dance, and the exchange of rings.

05:01

🌴 Moroccan and Egyptian Wedding Customs

The second paragraph of the script focuses on the unique wedding customs in Morocco and Egypt. It describes the Moroccan tradition where the bride dons her finest 'kaftan' during a ceremony that can last from three days to a week, depending on the couple's financial status and regional customs. The script then shifts to Egypt, where honeymoon practices vary significantly between rural and urban areas. In the countryside, newlyweds traditionally stay at home for the first week, receiving visits and gifts from friends and family. In contrast, urban couples often spend their first night in a hotel before traveling to a resort, either locally or abroad. The host wraps up the segment by inviting viewers to engage with the content, like, subscribe, and look forward to more educational videos about global cultures and traditions.

Keywords

💡Middle Eastern Weddings

Middle Eastern weddings are traditional ceremonies that vary across the region, encompassing a rich tapestry of cultural practices and rituals. In the video, the theme revolves around these unique wedding traditions, highlighting the diversity and significance of each custom within the context of marriage celebrations in Middle Eastern societies.

💡Nike and Walima

Nike and Walima are two traditional events associated with Middle Eastern weddings. Nike is a pre-wedding celebration, while Walima is a post-wedding feast. These events are integral to the wedding process, as they mark the beginning and end of the wedding festivities, respectively.

💡Tolby

Tolby, also known as Tulba, is a private event in Middle Eastern weddings where the groom formally asks for the bride's hand in marriage from her parents. This tradition signifies the formal proposal and the families' blessings, as mentioned in the script where both families agree to the marriage proposal and give their blessings.

💡Engagement

Engagement, or Khutba, is a significant ceremony in Middle Eastern weddings where the bride and groom exchange rings and wear matching colored clothing. It is akin to a wedding party or dinner party, symbolizing the couple's commitment to each other and is arranged by both families.

💡Runway Radwa

Runway Radwa is a small pre-wedding event where male relatives from both families help with the bride's home preparations, ensuring everything is in order for the wedding. It also serves as a platform to resolve any issues and offer blessings, as described in the script where the eldest man from the groom's side congratulates everyone.

💡Henna

Henna is a widespread wedding tradition in Middle Eastern and Arab countries, where the bride's female friends apply henna designs on her hands and feet, accompanied by singing Arabic songs. This tradition is a symbolic representation of beauty and celebration, as well as a social gathering for women, as depicted in the script.

💡Henna Knight

Henna Knight is a celebration similar to a bachelorette party for the bride and her female friends and family. It involves dancing, singing songs about the bride's future, and enjoying food and drinks. This tradition is a way to honor the bride and her transition into marriage, as mentioned in the script.

💡Zappa

Zappa is a traditional dance performed at Middle Eastern weddings, particularly in Lebanon, marking the grand entrance of the newlywed couple. It involves music, dance, and sometimes the changing of rings to the opposite hand, as described in the script, symbolizing the couple's joyous union.

💡Dobkey

Dobkey is a folk dance performed at some Arab weddings, where professional dancers and wedding guests join in a circle to celebrate. In Egypt, belly dancing replaces Dobkey to entertain the guests, as mentioned in the script, showcasing the regional variations in wedding traditions.

💡Barmet Al Arus

Barmet Al Arus is a farewell tradition given to the bride and groom before they leave for their new life together. The couple enters a decorated vehicle, followed by relatives and friends who play loud music to announce the marriage, as described in the script, creating a festive and public celebration.

💡Moroccan Kaftan

The Moroccan Kaftan is a traditional garment worn by the bride during Moroccan weddings, which can last from three days to a week. The Kaftan is a coat or overdress that reaches the ankles and has long sleeves, symbolizing the bride's status and the cultural importance of the wedding, as mentioned in the script.

💡Honeymoon

A honeymoon is a vacation taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage. In Egypt, the tradition varies between rural and urban areas. In rural areas, couples typically stay home for the first seven days, receiving visits and gifts, while urban couples might spend their first night in a hotel before traveling to a resort, as described in the script, reflecting the diversity of honeymoon practices.

Highlights

Middle Eastern weddings traditionally have two main traditions known as Nike and Walima.

Weddings start with a meeting between families and end with a farewell to the newlyweds.

The tradition of Tolby involves a private event where the groom asks for the bride's hand.

Engagement, or Khutba, is a ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings on their right hands.

Runway Radwa is an event where male relatives prepare the bride's home for the wedding.

Henna is a common tradition where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with henna.

Henna Knight is a bachelorette party-like event for women involving singing and dancing.

The wedding ceremony involves signing marriage documents and a candle ceremony in some Christian traditions.

Zappa is a traditional dance performed at weddings, especially in Lebanon, as a grand entrance for the couple.

Dobkey is a folk dance that involves guests dancing in a circle at some Arab weddings.

Barmet Al Arus is a farewell celebration where the couple is escorted to their new home with music and noise.

Moroccan weddings can last up to a week and feature the bride wearing her best Kaftans.

In rural Egypt, newlyweds traditionally stay home for the first seven days of marriage before receiving guests.

Urban Egyptian couples often spend their first night in a hotel before traveling to a resort for their honeymoon.

Transcripts

hey guys what's happening welcome back

to ftd facts my name is leroy kenton

now originally middle eastern weddings

they were supposed to have only two

traditions

which were known as nike and walima

another thing to note is that middle

eastern

weddings now start with a meeting

between the couple's families

and ends with the farewell to a newly

wed

couple but with that said let's get into

the specific traditions in this episode

at

number 10 we have the tradition of tolby

now toby or tulba is a private event in

which only the closest relatives of the

bride and the groom

are present now the groom formally asks

for the bride's hand from her parents

this tradition takes place after both

families have agreed to the marriage

proposal both families give their

blessings to the groom and the bride

and the surah fatiha is recited and this

is recited by everybody that's present

at the event

after that tea is served with sweets to

enjoy

and celebrate this whole new agreement

this marriage agreement number nine we

have engagement now engagement is also

known

as khutba in the middle eastern

countries and it's a ceremony in which

the bride in the group they exchange

the rings so putting the rings on each

other's right hands is a very common

thing to do

bride and groom also wear matching color

clothing as well the engagement is

pretty much just like a wedding party or

dinner party

which is arranged by both parties now

moving on to

number eight we have runway radwa is a

small event which takes place

one or two days before the actual

wedding

in this small event male relatives from

both families they go into the bride's

home and take care of

anything that needs to be done in terms

of decorating and setting things up and

all of that and they also

make sure that the bride's parents have

a great time

in the ceremony the grooves relatives

they make sure to resolve any issue

before the wedding and the eldest

man from the groom's side congratulates

everyone and gives his blessings another

cool tradition

is the tradition of henna i love these

things henna is

probably the most common wedding

tradition in the middle eastern and arab

countries

the bride's female friends sing the

arabic songs

and they draw henna on the bride's hands

and feet

sometimes other parts of the body as

well there's even henna

knight hannah knight is just like a

bachelorette party

for just the females the friends and

family they dance and sing

songs about the bride's new future they

have drinks and food as well of course

men also have their own separate party

where they you know typically

do things like dancing to traditional

music

is the tradition next this is another

middle eastern

marriage tradition it is a wedding

ceremony in which both families sign the

marriage

documents the sheikh or the zun lays out

the

conditions and the rules of the marriage

and specifically

in coptic orthodox christianity as well

as in the ethiopian tawahito

church brides and grooms are dressed up

in royal garments sometimes wearing

capes and crowns and jewelry

even the couple are each given a candle

to hold

in their left hand during the ceremony

and this represents their beliefs in

jesus christ as the light of the world

and that they will be guided through

life by the teachings of the church

the couple's right hands are then joined

by the priest

as a symbol of unification so just like

that guys we reach halfway in this

episode and if you're enjoying this one

so far you

definitely will love the video that i

have recommended for you it's about

specifically surprising

muslim marriage traditions link to that

is down below so you can check that one

out

after this episode zappa comes in next

at number five

zappa is a traditional dance that is

performed in weddings in

middle eastern countries especially in

the country of lebanon

it's like a grand entrance celebration

for the newlywed couple

now the tradition starts with the

bride's father bringing his daughter

to the groom and during this whole event

the band of drummers

they play traditional arabic music and

in some traditions actually the rings

are

changed to the opposite hand you'll hear

female relatives performing also

traditionally

male and female dancers they perform a

special dance wearing special clothing

to welcome in the couple and also this

is a pretty popular thing

so much so that it was recently adopted

by beirut as well

in some weddings the zafa performers

will carry the bride on their shoulders

and bring them to the event

let's look at dubki at number four

dobkey is a folk dance performed by

professional dancers in some arab

weddings

wedding guests also joined the dance and

dance in a

circle however one thing to know is that

in egypt instead of dab key

belly dancing is done to entertain the

guests

for number three we have barmet al arus

this is a farewell that's given to the

bride and groom before

they leave now the couple goes into a

beautiful

decorated vehicle and the relatives and

the friends they follow the couple to

their home and play

loud music to let everybody know

that this couple just got married

they're making a whole lot of noise

up in the streets let's move on now to

number two and this is

moroccan kaftan moroccan weddings are

among the most traditional in the region

during the ceremony which can last from

three days to a week depending on the

financial situation

of the couple and it also depends on the

region that the wedding is happening in

but the bride wears her best kaftans in

the form of a coat or overdress

usually reaching to the ankles and with

long

sleeves and finally number one we have

egypt's honeymoon honeymoons in egypt

differs from one part of the country to

another

when we look at the countryside in egypt

the newlywed couples they

rarely travel for their honeymoon

instead they stay home

for the first seven days of their

marriage before entertaining

friends and families who come to see

them bring them gifts and food

as well as anything else that they might

need but when you look over into the

urban parts of egypt

married couples they commonly spend the

first night of their honeymoon

in a hotel and that's where they

celebrate their union

before they travel to a resort it could

be overseas

or it could be a local resort like

traveling to their red sea for instance

so that is it this was a brief snapshot

look at

10 surprising middle eastern traditions

some of them you're probably a little

bit more familiar with than

others some of them were maybe new to

you either way guys really hope you

enjoyed this one

as always be sure to leave your thoughts

and comments down below also leave a

like on this video if you really enjoyed

it subscribe this is your first time

here to the channel that way you can

keep up to date with the most

interesting and surprising facts

around our world as it relates to

different countries cultures people

and religion until next time guys stay

awesome stay educated i'll see you in

the next one

you