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.