Saudi Marrige

Aeshah Aljuwaybir

English 101

Prof. Hader

Saudi Marriage

        God knows his purpose when he created both genders males and female. One of the most important missions for humanity is to recognize the earth and build civilizations. In order for this mission to be achieved, people must have good societies. However, good societies consist of valuable families, and valuable families begin with a great man who marries a great woman. A truth needs to be said. Marriage is more than a physical union. It is also a spiritual and emotional union. Additionally, marriage is a love that both genders need at a certain age. When a man and a woman live, complete and love one another, contentment follows and joy abounds. In Saudi Arabia, traditionally, marriage has been looked upon as a primary purpose of founding and maintaining a home and family. Wedding ritual in Saudi Arabia is going through many steps, finding the right woman, getting engaged, preparing for the wedding, and finally entering the nest with her after the wedding’s day.

        In Saudi Arabia, the beginning of a couple’s journey starts with a phone call. The man’s mother calls the woman’s mother and tells her that they have heard about or seen her daughter in a wedding party, and she attracted them. During the phone call, so much information is shared and many questions are being asked. For example, the family’s background, the man’s attitude, where does he work and what is his financial status.  When the phone is hung up, a reasserting journey begins. When the necessary information has been collected, the final decision of accepting or refusing the man is left for the woman to be made. If the woman and her family accept the man, he comes to see the woman in her house and have a little talk. The woman comes holding a tray in her hand. The tray has two transparent and crystal-clear  glass that is filled with freshly squeezed  orange juice and a piece of homemade dessert. She serves it to her expected future husband, and gives him a chance to look at her. This event would be the first time for the man and the woman to see each other.

        Furthermore, if the man and the woman liked each other, the first official step takes place. A marriage contract is a must for all Muslims. The Imam, a religious man who comes to the woman’s house to write the marriage contract.After agreement, the groom joins hands with his future father-in-law and, with two witnesses present, the marriage becomes official. The marriage contract includes the woman’s desires, wants and conditions such as having an apartment or completing her studies, and the amount of dowry that will be given to the woman. In Saudi Arabia, the amount of dowry differs from one city to another. However, the ranges starts from around twelve thousands dollar to twenty four thousands dollar. The dowry is served in a box that is designed with abundant, aromatic and artistic flowers. Additionally, hight quality Oudh is recommended to show appreciation and homage.When the marriage contract is signed, the couple now are officially married. Couples usually have up to six months engagement period before the wedding’s party.

        Two days before the wedding’s party, the bride’s family and friends make a bye-bye single life party. The bride’s family rent a resort that has a swimming pool, and invited her cuisine and closest friends. The swimming pool is filled with the water a crystal blue tint  with ross’ petals that floats over the water.  The bride’s family and friend take turns to gently clean her body. She goes out of the pool with a new, soft and lively skin. The bridal wears a traditional dress that comes in a different colors. The dress is it’s brocaded with golden glittery silk. She usually covers her face with a mask that is made from pearl beads and the idea is to hide her face for the wedding’s day. The bride becomes a pice of gold hat is walking on the earth. Her neck is surrounded by Splendid and exquisite necklace. Both of the bridal hands are ringed with  delicate, large and shiny golden bracelet. The bride’s hand are designed by an artist using Hena, a mix of herbs that color the hands. It's believed that Hena brings luck, and it's a sign for fertility.