Wedding traditions vary across different cultures and religions, each offering a glimpse into the heritage of its people. What might be the norm for one person, can be completely unusual for another. Take, for example, Egyptian wedding ceremony traditions.
The native Egyptian wedding ceremony traditions are deeply rooted in history and cultural significance, handed down through generations. Both modern and traditional Egyptian wedding traditions are equally fascinating and worth knowing about. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
10 Interesting Egyptian Wedding Traditions
Here are some common traditions you can expect to see at a typical Egyptian wedding.
1. The Engagement Contract
A traditional Egyptian wedding is usually arranged depending on the family’s financial situation. However, irrespective of how a couple is introduced when the man is ready to extend a formal proposal, he and his bride-to-be must seek their parents’ blessings. In Egyptian wedding culture, an engagement contract, known as Je Peniot, is signed to publicly declare the couple’s intention to marry. The contract, while not binding, is signed in the presence of a clergyman, and parents of the bride and groom.
2. The Mahr and Shabka
During the signing of the Je Peniot, the families may decide to incorporate another one of the Egyptian wedding rituals—the mahr and shabka. This is a kind of dowry that is agreed upon between the two families. One of the groom’s traditions involves giving mahr (money) to the bride-to-be’s family and shabka (jewellery) to the bride-to-be.
3. The Marriage Contract
The Yekteb Ketaboh, translating “to write the book,” is a marriage contract containing the specifics of the mahr and shabka. Once both parties sign it, the scripture is read and the engagement date is set.
4. Wedding Bands
Did you know that according to archaeological evidence, Egyptians were the first ones to wear wedding bands? Back in the day, Egyptian wedding bands for women and Egyptian wedding bands for men featured simplistic designs that are seen even today. Instead of a diamond ring, the couple gets simple traditional Egyptian wedding bands. This is because the perfect circle of a wedding band is said to represent eternity or an endless marriage.
Read: What Does Wedding Band Stand For
5. The Engagement Party
The bride’s family hosts an extravagant engagement party for the couple, held either at home, a hotel or a restaurant. During the engagement period, the couple actively get to know each other and even start searching for a house together.
6. The Henna Night
In a native Egyptian traditional wedding, this tradition holds significant importance and dates back 5000 years. The bride’s female friends and family gather at her house for the Laylat Al Henna (night of henna party) and adorn her in a pink cotton or silk dress. The women dance and sing as henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
7. The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony begins as soon as the couple arrives in cars decorated with ribbons. The bishop or priest conducts the ceremony, which lasts around 45 minutes. It includes several events like prayer, singing of hymns, reading of Bible verses, exchanging of rings, and more.
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8. Ring Switch
Symbolizing the transition from engagement to marriage, the couple switches their Egyptian wedding rings (exchanged during the engagement ceremony) from their right to left hands. This marks the official beginning of their life together.
9. Cutting of The Cake & Sharbat
An Egyptian wedding is incomplete without a multi-layered cake that is cut and shared by the couple. This is accompanied by Sharbat, a traditional sweet drink made from fruit and herbs, signifying sweetness and prosperity.
10. Feast & Dancing
To conclude the celebrations with a bang, the music is turned up so everyone can hit the dance floor and enjoy the party. You don’t need to fret about missing out on the abundant feast because there’s more than enough food for everyone.
Every wedding tradition is unique in its own way. At Angara, you can shop custom wedding rings to add your own unique spin.
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FAQs
1. What are some traditional Egyptian wedding customs?
Some traditional Egyptian wedding customs include the signing of an engagement contract, the exchange of wedding rings, and the celebration of the Henna Night where henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet amidst music and dance.
2. What is the significance of the Henna party in Egyptian weddings?
The henna party in Egyptian weddings holds cultural significance. Henna is applied on the bride’s hands and feet while she’s surrounded by her female friends and family. It symbolizes joy, fertility and the transition into married life.
3. Are there any specific Egyptian wedding customs related to food or drink?
An Egyptian wedding always features a multi-layered cake that the couple cut and feed each other. They also drink a traditional drink made of fruits and herbs, called sharbat.
