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.