Assyrian Wedding Traditions

Assyrian weddings emphasize the role of old traditions a lot. It is an essential part of it. This includes everything from music, food, dress and more. From the early morning on the wedding day, and to the last minute, and throughout the day, these traditions are at play.

Speaking of music, Assyrians have a centuries old tradition of 'Dola w Zorna' or the play of the flute and drum, often played by two people. D&W gets played at both the bride and groom's house. It is also played following the official religious ceremony at the church. And of course, at the wedding banquet hall, throughout the wedding, especially at the end. No Assyrian wedding is complete without the musical play of 'Dola w Zorna' It just puts people in the mood, and gives the wedding a very special Assyrian taste.

When it comes to dress, Assyrians have to go back to traditions too. Although not as popular as before or as is the case in the Middle East, 'Joulet d'Khoomala' are the most traditional piece of clothier that Assyrians wear for weddings. Translated, it vaguely means 'The dress of Fun' Together with Dola w Zorna, Joulet d'Khoomala can make the difference between a purely Assyrian wedding or just any wedding.

Food also has a place in Assyrian wedding traditions and showers. There are many traditional dishes and deserts, which are served during, before or after the official wedding ceremony. One such desert is 'Kadeh and Koleche', sweet, nut-laden pastries.

From food to music and dress, Assyrian weddings try to relate and emphasize old traditions, as much as possible. Failing to pay attention to these traditional details changes a wedding from a purely Assyrian one to a just a normal wedding. Speaking of which, a lot of Assyrians nowadays are mixing old traditions with new modern Western traditions, to appeal to both the old and the young.