Middle East Traditions

Middle East Traditions
The region of Middle east is one of those places in the world which has had a direct and tremendous influence of both Asia and Europe. Due to this reason, the diverse culture of Middle east is a direct influence of some of the finest traditions and practices of Asia and Europe. For years the arid climate of Middle east has been under the crabs and the Bedouins. Local flavors got mingled with the borrowed practices to give a unique characteristics to the Middle East Traditions. Since Middle east has been the home of Islam the Middle East Traditions bear direct influence of all the popular Islamic practices.

Elaborate functions and extensive rituals which last for hours are an additional feature of all the Middle East Traditions. It is expected that both the bride and the groom wear vibrant dresses and elegant outfits on all the days prior to the marriage. Like most Asian marriages Middle East Traditions also expects the marriage to continue to for days. The marriage celebration at Middle East begins with the Engagement Ceremony. Besides exchanging rings both the bride and the groom exchange intimate gifts between themselves, besides family close friends from both the ends are cordially invited on this auspicious occasion. The Engagement Ceremony at Middle East usually last for the entire night. Great food, fun and frolic clubbed with song and dance are a part of the celebration in Middle East Traditions. These over night parties continue till night. Both the bride and the groom are expected to exchange their dresses in between, up to as many as five times.

The registration of the marriage calls for yet another celebration. As both the bride and the groom go to the court and get themselves registered as legally wedded couples. The Mehendi ceremony is also an integral part of Middle East Traditions. It is widely believed throughout Asia and the Middle east that mehendi is auspicious for marriage. It not only helps to ward off evil but also makes the bride look elegant. The mehendi ceremony or the “Hena Party” is the occasion where the bride sits beside the groom and many young girls cluster around them. With tattoo works on her hands and feet the bride looks and elegant as the groom awaits in anticipation. A white cloth is spread over the bride and the groom's head and girls grind sugar over the bride and the groom. With it are also thrown prayers at Allah, who alone can fill the life of the wedded couple with marital bliss. It is customary for the bride to wear green dresses on this occasion as green symbolizes the color of fertility and holiness.

The wedding day is one of fun frolic. Amidst guests and clergies vows are exchanged along with the wedding rings. As the newly weds begin their new life all the guests wish them good luck and prosperity. On this occasion each guest gets five almonds as gifts for the bride and the groom. These almonds stand for the five essential ingredients of married life. Wealth, fertility, bliss, ever lasting married life and fine health. With the exchanging f rings the marriage is declared legal and all the invitees along with the bride and the groom engage in a fun filled night of celebration with much pomp and show.