Wedding Bells

Ha! I'm sure that heading caught your attention! Don't worry, the bells were not for me. I had the privilege of attending an Arabic wedding party this weekend. A teacher from the school who I've gotten to know through basketball got married and invited me to attend the party that takes place the night before the wedding. The party is traditionally for family, so it was an honor to be invited. I went with two other teachers. We took a cab to her house, which was lit up with strands of lights all around the outside. We didn't really know what we were in for as we were ushered into the front room. There were Arabic women lined up around the edge of the room. Since it was all women, most of their heads were uncovered and their abayas (long black covering) were opened to reveal brightly colored clothing. We were directed to a place on the couch near the special bench where the couple would sit. The women chatted in Arabic, while we sat contentedly on the couch drinking strong tea from what looked like tall shot glasses and taking it all in. Soon a woman on the floor with a microphone began the traditional singing/chanting that is popular in Arab culture and using the bottom of an empty water bottle as a drum. The other women clapped different rhythms enthusiastically and called out in loud quick trills. Two of the older women got up and started dancing, moving their hips and arms in slow circles. The music and dancing carried on for an hour while streams of women kept pouring into the house. The social etiquette that went on was fascinating. Each new woman that entered the room went around to all the seated women, greeting them with the traditional kissing. Some women got 2 kisses while others got 5. The older women all sat on the chairs and couches around the edge of the room while the younger girls sat on the floor in front of the singer. Pretty soon the room was packed. And then it was time for the bride and groom to enter. As soon as the word spread that they were coming, there was a radical change in the room. The women all closed up their abayas and wrapped scarves around their heads. There was a row of women from Saudi Arabia sitting across from us, and they all covered their faces as well. Within minutes the colorful clothes and beautiful dark hair was covered by black cloth. And all because one male was entering the room.
The bride and groom came down the stairs. It was a long, slow process as there were tons of pictures being taken and everyone pausing to admire the bride. Here was the teacher that I always saw fully covered now wearing a strapless wedding dress and sparkling from head to toe. Her hair was curled and on one side sculpted into roses lined with gemstones. Her make up was heavy and dark as is traditional and her hands and forearms were covered in the most delicate and intricate henna I've ever seen. I hardly recognized her. The couple made their way to the special bench, and all the young girls lined up to take pictures with them. After pictures, there was a buffet outside with traditional Arabic food followed by more singing and dancing. I'm sure this was a once in a lifetime experience.

Indian Barbie

I recently attended an Indian festival with some of my friends. I heard there was going to be traditional Indian dancing there, so I was pretty excited. Not being Indian, I didn't really know what to expect. I went to my friends house, and little did I know I was in for an Indian make over. This festival is a pretty big deal--they pull out all the stops, meaning traditional Indian dress was a must. Fortunately, my friend has a younger sister who happens to be my size. Before I knew it, I was parading around their house in various outfits while they decided which one looked best. They decided on a pants and tank top set--blue and pink with some bead work. It was very nice. After my outfit was selected, there was the problem of shoes. Again, I went through several options before settling on a pair of flat, silver sandals. At this point, I'm thinking that I'm ready to go. But no. Not quite. You don't have a complete Indian outfit without jewelry. I sat on the bed while the mom and sister sorted through piles of necklaces, earrings, bangles, and bracelets. After I was sufficiently adorned, it was time for my hair and make up. Oh yes, when I said Indian make over, I meant the whole nine yards. I high pony tail and some eye liner and eye shadow later, I was finally ready. My friend looked at me and said, "You look like Indian Barbie." Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.
I have to admit though, that I did enjoy the make over, and the festival was amazing. It turns out that you don't simply watch the dancing, you participate in it. I was a little self conscious at first, especially since I was the only white person in the place, and I had no clue what I was doing. Luckily for me, most of the people I was with didn't know how to do it either, so we all learned together. Every person gets two wooden sticks, one for each hand. The art of the dance is moving with the music, hitting sticks with your partner, and executing spins and turns while traveling in a circle and changing partners. It sounds complicated, but if this Dutch girl can get it, it can't be that bad! My friend has some pictures, so hopefully they will be up soon!