Egyptian Wedding Traditions

In Egypt, a country with a large Sunni Muslim population, Arab wedding customs are deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture.

Wedding Agreement in Egypt

Even though the foundation of many modern Egyptian marriages is love, the family is nonetheless involved in planning the nuptials. Mahr and Shabka are the dowry payments made to the bride’s family (money given directly to the bride). After coming to an understanding, the couple celebrates their engagement and plans a Katb el Katb, or traditional Egyptian wedding ceremony.

HENNA PARTY (AKA BACHELORETTE PARTY)

In many Arab nations, it is usual for friends and family to host a henna party for the bride one to two days prior to the wedding. The bride is carried by a canopy to the bathhouse while donning a red shawl and a hat or crown on her head, where friends and family apply henna tattoos of her to her limbs.

Muslims Wedding Parties in Egypt

Egyptian marriages are typically held in family homes, neighborhood mosques, or wedding halls. No matter the location, Maazoun officiates the marriage contract signing ceremony where the families of the bride and groom sign.
Egyptian wedding traditions dictate that the woman wears a jewel-colored dress with a veil and that the groom dons traditional tribal clothing on the wedding day. It’s acceptable and encouraged to pinch the bride just for fun.
The bride’s father joins the bride and groom’s hands at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony before covering them with a white cloth. The couple then reiterates what Maazon said.
9% of Egyptians are Coptic Christians, whereas 90% of Egyptians are Muslims.

Coptic Weddings Parties in Egypt

Weddings among Copts are a little unique. One such tradition calls for the bride and groom to completely shave off all body hair before the wedding. Coptic marriages often last 45 minutes or less.

The Bride designed specific cloaks for the bride and husband that date back to the fourth century, and scripture readings are typically done. For their spiritual protection, the priest anoints both with holy oil on his forehead.

Around 10 p.m. following the ceremony, the wedding procession, or zaffa, makes its way to the reception, which is frequently hosted at a nearby hotel. The groom is waiting for the bride when she arrives at the reception with her father, who is called kosher. The groom removes the veil as soon as the bride comes and kisses her on the cheek or her forehead.

Drinks in the Weddings Parties in Egypt

Sharpat, a rose water drink created from various fruits and herbs, is typically served to wedding guests. The newlyweds welcome visitors to the reception, and Belly her dancers and singers provide entertainment and photo opportunities. The bride and groom cut the cake and feed each other at some point during the evening, and guests take part in a candelabra dance.

The bride and groom travel to their own home after the reception. Egyptian brides frequently ride camels to the wedding party as part of the country’s colourful processional wedding customs. Along the way, they sing and dance. A lady frequently uses the zagarito, a peculiar sound or scream she produces by moving her tongue from side to side, to indicate her delight. Egyptian wedding customs, whether Muslim or Coptic, honour Egypt’s past and present.