Wedding Traditions in the Middle East

Each culture has encompassed many unique traditions that we take into account when planning and performing of this union referred to as a wedding. The tradition of the exchanging of wedding rings has been said to originate in the Middle. In this article we will examine other traditions involved with a Middle Eastern wedding. Wedding rings are circular and endless to symbolize everlasting love; this strong tradition has been brought onto nearly every ceremony performed regardless of culture throughout the world. Although, it is in the Middle East that we find the oldest wedding traditions; the culture encompasses such history with traditions being passed on generations through generations.

Most often, there are five important aspects of the wedding celebration. These include;

§ The engagement party

§ The signing of the marriage contract

§ The wedding reception

§ The henna party

§ The wedding party

Ceremonial celebration begins with a lavish engagement party. The bride and the groom, along with their friends and family gather together to well wish the new couple with time-honored food, drink and entertainment. These parties often last late into the evening and are filled with extraordinary dancing and singing traditions deep with rich cultural undertone and traditions.

Muslim marriage is conventionally considered to be a contract rather than a sacrament. The contract is considered to be the most important aspect of the ceremonial activities of marriage and in modern day is the signing of the marriage certificate. This marriage contract is binding, and outlines the rights that each party has in the marriage. This contract binding the man and the woman conveys the legal rights and obligations that each spouse has to the other. It is considered to be a civil agreement, entered into by the couple or those acting on behalf of the couple, for example the father of the bride. Traditionally, a verbal contract was made between the father of the bride, and the family of, and the groom.