At the last minute I got an invitation to attend an Arabic wedding with a friend from church. I thought it might be strange since I didn't know any of them but my friend said she only knew the grandmother of the bride. It was quite the experience! It was held at an elaborate hall, The Doha Cllub and started at 7:30. We arrived after
8:30. Relatives were there in a greeting line. Some were in the black veil, others weren't. It's customary to kiss cheeks several times. If you greet an older woman you will also kiss her forehead. I just kissed one lady, I wasn't prepared for this beforehand! I figure smiling a lot covers a multitude of sins. Women were dressed in very elaborate colorful gowns - taffeta, sequins, ruffles, some plunging necklines. Also for special occasions women have elaborate designs of henna painted on their arms and hands. Almost all young women have very long hair and they are beautiful. I"m afraid some of the middle-aged and older women have been to too many of these weddings and have grown somewhat portly. Kind of like I'm gonna be if I live here too long. Round tables were decorated with lovely centerpieces. The front had an elaborate stage with white columns and floral motif. Down the middle of the room was a runway that went clear to the end of the room. There were probably over 300 ladies and young children there.
The family maids brought around baskets of sweet treats and chocolates. One maid brought flasks of perfumed oil for each guest to sample. The band was behind a partition near us playing very loud typical arabic music. Men would not be allowed at a women's party. Sometimes I'm told the groom comes at the end of the party but we didn't see him while we were there.
It's interesting to see the different social strata at such a gala event. Waitresses were dressed in black and white attire as we'd expect in the States. The housemaids who served were in very simple attire, many with head coverings. The nanny maids were there looking after the children. Sometimes the veiled women would have their servants collect money that had been dropped on the runway.
Then there was the dancing! Some of the girls can really dance. They would get on the runway and dance to the music, some have great hip and shoulder movements. Others would throw money above their heads. I don't know if the money goes to the band or to the new couple. Little girls go up to dance and some ladies who are covered wtih their abayas. The bride made her appearance about this time. All eyes were on her as she staggered down the runway. She really did seem to have a hard time and didn't look as happy as I had expected. My friend said they're not suppose to look too happy for some reason. There were camera closeups with a large screen near the stage so everyone could get a good look at her - kind of like a fly under a glass. She was in an elaborate gown with a long veil that trailed behind her. She was beautiful except for her make up. It reminded me of Cleopatra with lots of heavy eye makeup. I learned most marriages are arranged so the couple may have only met once or twice and seen pictures of one another. Who knows better than your family whom you should marry? Or so they say.
Once the bride reached the bench at the front of the stage she took a well deserved rest. It was picture time with her friends and family, more dancing on the runway, with more loud music. My friend and I scooted out right after they announced it was time for the buffet.
Posted by nellie at February 16, 2004 12:18 AM