Looking for wedding traditions in Saudi Arabia? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Arabic wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.
Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.
To help you explore Arabic traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Arabic Wedding Traditions
Arabic weddings in Saudi Arabia are steeped in tradition and cultural significance, with customs that reflect the country’s rich heritage and Islamic beliefs.
- Al-Milka Ceremony: The Al-Milka ceremony is a traditional Saudi Arabian custom where the groom formally asks for the bride’s hand in marriage from her family. This ceremony typically takes place in the bride’s home and involves the exchange of gifts and the signing of a marriage contract, known as the katb al-kitab.
- Henna Night (Laylat al-Henna): Henna night, or Laylat al-Henna, is a special pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs. The henna night is a festive occasion filled with music, dancing, and traditional foods, as family and friends gather to celebrate the bride’s upcoming marriage.
- Zaffa Procession: The Zaffa procession is a joyous and lively tradition that marks the arrival of the groom to the wedding venue. Accompanied by traditional musicians, drummers, and dancers, the groom is led in a colorful procession to the bride’s home or the wedding hall, where he is greeted with cheers and applause.
- Celebratory Gunfire (Al-Da’oua): In some regions of Saudi Arabia, celebratory gunfire, known as al-da’oua, is a customary way to mark joyous occasions such as weddings. Guests may fire rifles or handguns into the air as a sign of celebration and to express their happiness for the newly married couple.
How to Say “Best Wishes” in Arabic?
In Arabic, to express “Best Wishes” in a wedding context, you can say:
أطيب التمنيا
This phrase, pronounced as “Atyab al-tamanniyyat”, conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success in the marriage. It’s a common expression used to offer congratulations and well-wishes to the newlyweds in Arabic-speaking cultures.
Arabic Wedding Gifting Etiquette
Gifting is an important part of Arabic wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s in Gifting
- Preferred Gift: Cash is the preferred gift for the couple at an Arabic wedding. It should be inside an envelope and handed to the couple after the reception or sent to their home.
- Halal Food: If giving food gifts, ensure that any meat and meat ingredients used are ‘halal’ to adhere to Islamic dietary laws.
- Appropriate Gifts: Popular gifting options include perfumes, pastries, chocolates, candies, cookies, and a box of dates. Packaged and easily shared foods are recommended as gifts.
- Presentation: When presenting a gift, use the right hand, as gifts are given and accepted with the right hand in Arab culture. Avoid using the left hand alone, as it is considered unclean. Using both hands while offering and receiving gifts is acceptable.
- Reciprocation: Reciprocation is an important aspect of gift-giving in the Middle East. It is customary to offer a present of equal value in return, either at that time or during the next visit.
Don’ts in Gifting
- No Boxed Gifts: The tradition of “no boxed gifts” at Arabic weddings indicates that cash is preferred over physical gifts. This implies that guests should refrain from bringing boxed gifts and opt for cash instead.
- Respect Cultural Norms: It is essential to respect the cultural norms and preferences of the couple by adhering to the tradition of giving cash as the primary gift at Arabic weddings.
The Sofra (Wedding Feast)
The sofra, or wedding feast, is a central part of Arabic weddings, where guests are treated to a lavish spread of food and drinks. The feast typically includes a variety of traditional dishes, such as rice pilaf, grilled meats, mezze (appetizers), and sweets. The sofra is a time for celebration and hospitality, as guests come together to enjoy delicious food and socialize with one another.
Money Dance (Dabke)
In some Arabic weddings, there is a tradition known as the money dance, or dabke. During this lively dance, guests pin money onto the bride and groom’s clothing as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The money collected during the dance is often used to help the couple start their new life together.
Exchange of Rings and Vows
While the exchange of rings and vows is a universal wedding tradition, Arabic weddings often include additional religious and cultural elements. For example, the bride and groom may recite verses from the Quran or offer prayers for blessings and guidance in their marriage. The exchange of rings symbolizes the couple’s commitment and love for one another, as well as their shared faith and values.
Conclusion
Celebrating weddings in Saudi Arabia goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.
Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.