Syrian
Wedding Culture and Traditions
Marriage presents an atmosphere of fun and frolic. After finding
a suitable match, various pre wedding ceremonies are held. The wedding
starts a night before usually on Friday. A small party known as
khyapta d khitna or shower of the groom is held in the groom's house.
Only small and closest relatives are invited to the party. Food
and drinks are usually served at this occasion .
Music is played till the time of the shower.
The groom is carried to get the last shower by his
best man to the bathroom. But traditionally, a small boy known as
ring boy must be showered before the groom.
Bride is not invited on this occasion . She is allowed
to take a complete rest. She cannot see her prospective husband
prior to the day of the marriage.
After the young boy and the groom have been showered,
the music, dance, drinks and food serving continues until the late
hours.
On the wedding day which is often Saturday, groom's
family prepares to go to the bride's house. As the groom's family
is preparing, moments of rejoice are captured by the photographer
.
Groom attires in his best outfit. When the entire
family is ready, music and dance enlighten the whole environment.
Video tapes are recorded. They all dance on the special
day. Groom gives certain corsages to his family members and friends.
The groom and his ushers go to the church and wait for the arrival
of the bride.
In the bride's house, excitement continues. In the
early morning, bride and her maids dress up in their beautiful attires.
Jewels and makeup are worn. The bride and her maids fix their hair.
Beautiful pictures are captured by the photographer . Bride and
her family members give wonderful poses on the occasion .
The groom's family arrives at the bride's house.
Singing songs is a common ritual when bride is about to leave for
church. Normally, one member of the bride's family will stand by
the door. They wouldn't let the bride leave unless someone from
the groom's family pays the amount they asked for.
After much shouting, a bargain is sought. Amount
is paid to the girls and bride is taken off to the church. In church,
she is accompanied by her father, brother or uncle towards the isle.
She is handed over to the groom.
Then ring ceremony follows. Rings are exchanged between
bride and the groom. Flowers are showered on the couple.
Wedding vows are taken by the couple.
Wedding reception follow after this ceremony. Banquet
halls are booked in advance. Weddings are hosted and put on by the
groom's family.
As soon as the newly wed couple arrives at the hall,
they are ushered with loud applause. The welcome is given to the
couple by Yalekhta.
Syrian Yalekhta has many unique symbols which is
a piece of thin, see through, square shaped cloth decorated with
multiple beads. They add fancy to the wedding.
The grand entrance at the hall is decorated in style.
Last pair of usher and maid of honor enters the hall first among
lots of music. Rest of the couples enters one after another. Lastly,
bride and groom enter amongst cheers.
As the couple settles on their tables, Assyrian dances
and music set the mood on the floor. This dance is long line of
people holding hands and tapping their feet at the beats of music.
Gifts are given and blessings are showered
on the couple.
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