Weddings Of Syria

While most Syrian weddings follow the pattern of Muslim weddings everywhere, there are special features that have developed mirroring the culture of the country.

The caremonies begin with the engagement or khetbeh-this is essentially the ring caremony. The bride to be wears the ring on her right hand and transfers it to her left after the marriage. The caremony is usually conducted by a religious person from the mosque, but his presence is not mandatory.

Like most Muslim weddings, this caremony too is essentially an exchange of a promise to wed. A contract is signed and registered in the court. This contract is called Ktab. Also mentioned in the contract is the maher or bride price which is payable by the groom.

The maher is in two parts-the first is paid before the wedding and is called the mukaddam. The second part or muahkhar is paid only when required. The woman has the right to enforce it at any time in the event of her death, her children can claim it from their father.

At the wedding, the groom's party is marked by the presence of a senior family member or religious leader who talks about the importance of marriage, its meaning and the value of a long relationship.

An interesting and amusing by-play prior to the wedding happens when the groom's friends take him to get dressed. As they help him, his bachelor friends prick him on the knee with a needle or pin. The belief is that if they do, they too will get married soon! On the girl's side, her unmarried friends pinch her knee or tread on her toes in the belief that they will find their life partners soon! While the groom gets dressed, his friends sing traditional songs called arada. Sometimes, if the groom can afford it, he engages skilled people to stage a mock fight with swords and shields. The Participants in this mock fight are traditionally attired in breeches, traditional head gear and make a colourful picture. The event is one of enjoyment and revelry.

Then the bride and groom pass between to rows of men holding crossed swords over the bridal pair. It is believed that this practice has come down from ancient times, A demonstration of valour by the groom proved that the bride would be safe from harm in her new home! Another interesting custom, which is no longer as popular as it used to be, happens when the bride enters her new home. She is given a handful of dough, which she sticks on the door before entering. If it sticks it is believed that the couple will have a long and happy relationship. The wheat dough is a symbol of plenty. Naturally the dough is made of the right consistency to ensure that it does stick!

A modern day departure from the practice of breaking a bottle of perfume on the doorstep of the bride's new home. This is believed to epitomize the fragrance of the relationship.

If marriages are a mirror of culture, this is undoubtedly an interesting insight into Syrian culture.