English 142Section 61Group 8

Wedding Traditions in Kuwait

Luolwa Al-qaloushiMaha Al-azmyMarwa Al-haqqan

Introduction:

Different cultures have different wedding traditions . The cultural overlap affected wedding ceremony in Kuwait . In this paper, we would like to talk about Kuwaiti wedding ceremony in the past and in these days .

*Kuwaiti wedding ceremony in the past

Marriage traditions differed in the modern Kuwait society from what it was long ago. In the past, the marriage ceremony was held in the house or the mosque as the groom goes with his parents and two witnesses to fulfill the marriage agreement call "melja". Daza(dowry-like money) is paid. The caravan starts .

•Women and children carry wares in an atmosphere of joy, thrills,and songs. Now, daza disappeared and is replaced by the dowry or “shabka” .Dowry is a sum of money given from the groom to the bride. Yet, “shabka” is a collection of golden jewels,

•rings and bracelets.

•Groom procession starts at night in a group of family members, neighbors and

friends carrying lamps. Old traditional songs are performed in wedding celebrations by women as the groom arrives at the house of the bride. The bride sits on a chair and wears brilliant clothes, gold and jewels. Women stand in two rows facing each other and the bride in the middle. All carries a square piece

of green cloth and they sing songs .

*Kuwaiti wedding ceremony in these days

Now, marriage ceremony is done through sending cards for family members and friends. Marriage agreement is fulfilled in the house of groom or one of his acquaintances or outside the house in the hotel or wedding hall. The bride wears white dress and Carries a bouquet of flowers. Wedding parties in these days cost more than wedding parties in the past

Conclusion:

In conclusion, wedding ceremony of other countries especially the west countries, affected Kuwaiti wedding ceremony in these days .There are differences between Kuwaiti wedding ceremony in the past and in these days. The wedding party as an occasion is always surrounded with care and we usually spend a lot of money on it but if it is simple celebration it will be better .

References:

1.http://www.cait.gov.kw/Default.aspx?pageId=9 - the Central Agency for Information Technology

2 .www.youtube.com