10 Traditional Emirati Wedding Customs and Their Significance
Emirati weddings are known for their grandeur, elegance, and cultural significance. The customs and traditions that are part of Emirati weddings have been passed down through generations and are still prevalent in modern weddings. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some traditional Khaleeji customs.
The Melcha – This is the official signing of the marriage contract between the bride and groom, which is typically done in the presence of a Sheikh or an Imam. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the marriage and is signed by the bride, groom, and their respective fathers and serves as a legal agreement between the families of the bride and groom. After signing, an intimate dinner party is held between the families.
Shabka – Gold Jewellery Shabka is a tradition where the groom presents the bride with gold jewellery as a symbol of his love and commitment. The jewellery is typically worn by the bride on her wedding day and serves as a reminder of the groom’s love.
Henna Night - The Henna Night is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs. This ceremony is often held at the bride’s home and is attended by female family members and close friends. The henna is believed to bring good luck and protect the bride from evil spirits.
The Dress: Emirati brides typically wear a traditional white wedding dress that is embellished with gold or silver embroidery, sequins or alike. The dress is a symbol of purity, elegance, and the bride's readiness for marriage.
The Male Gathering: Men also have a role in Emirati weddings. The groom and his male relatives and friends gather typically at the groom's house to prepare for the wedding ceremony. This gathering is a time for bonding and celebration.
The Wedding Invitation: The wedding invitation is an important part of Emirati wedding culture. The invitation is sent to all family members, friends, and colleagues to attend the wedding. It is seen as a way to show respect and to ensure that all those who are important to the couple are included in the celebration.
Al Majlis – This is the wedding reception where the newlyweds and their guests celebrate their union. The reception is typically held in a large hall or ballroom and is filled with music, dancing, and delicious food and chocolates.
The Kosher – The kosher is a designated area of honour for the bride and groom to be seated in plain sight during the wedding ceremony. The kosher is typically decorated with flowers and other beautiful decorations and is meant to symbolize the couple’s new life together.
Bukhoor – Incense Bukhoor is a traditional Emirati incense that is burned during the wedding ceremony. The smoke from the incense is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds.
Yowla – The Yowla is a traditional Emirati folk dance performed during the wedding ceremony and to guests upon arrival at the wedding. The dance is typically performed by men, who carry swords and dance in unison to the beat of drums. The dance symbolizes the strength and unity of the Emirati community.
Emirati weddings are a celebration of love, culture, and tradition. Each custom carries its own importance and adds to the richness of the wedding ceremony. As a photographer, it's always a pleasure to witness and capture these beautiful moments. I hope this post has given you a better understanding of Emirati wedding customs and their significance. Speaking from personal experience, after over a decade of photographing local weddings, I can still never get over how beautiful and extravagant a local Emirati wedding is - they still send a tingle down my spine when the wedding begins and the loud bellowing drums kick in. If you're a westerner planning your own wedding in the UAE, consider incorporating some of these customs into your celebration to honour the rich cultural heritage of the Emirates.
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