A wedding in Egypt is full of rituals and traditions, the roots of which go back to the distant past. Egypt is a Muslim country and many traditions, including weddings, have a religious connotation. The matchmaking ritual is strictly observed here, and the bride, even today, is most often chosen by the groom's family.
It is socially unacceptable for a girl to date a man to whom she is not engaged. The article will talk about weddings in Egypt, the traditions and rituals associated with this event.
Ancient customs
Marriage between a man and a woman was invented in Ancient Egypt. Weddings in those ancient times were also sealed by a marriage contract, which defined in writing the rights and obligations of those entering into a union.
The prenuptial agreement, which has become very popular these days, even in those days established the share of the husband and wife in their joint property.
The custom of exchanging rings was also invented in Ancient Egypt. It was the ring that was considered a symbol of stability of relationships and eternal love. This custom has spread throughout the world, albeit in a slightly modified form. The Egyptians wore a wedding ring on the middle finger of the left hand; it was believed that a vein passed through it to the heart. In Russia and Europe, rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand; according to Slavic legends, the ring has miraculous powers and protects marriage from evil spirits. Nowadays, most Egyptians adhere to the European style of wearing a ring.
Since ancient times, certain traditions have been established in the wedding ritual, which have survived to this day.
Sewing options
The straight cut is typical, but the style is interesting, in the form of geometric shapes, such as a triangle, rhombus, trapezoid or rectangle. A wedding dress can contain various patterns, pyramids, lotus flowers (these are the flowers that the Egyptians love and respect). This is the main difference between Egyptian dresses and others.
Also, geometry can be used to decorate a dress, using drapery and layering to hide figure imperfections. Egyptian-style wedding dresses are more practical, since they do not have unnecessary intricate elements (ruffles, beads, rhinestones). But even without unnecessary elements, the outfits are feminine, stylish, interesting and the woman looks impeccable.
Dresses are made from the following materials: linen, silk, velvet, wool, velor. They use different colors, such as white, gold, turquoise, and often there are different color combinations. Characterized by asymmetry, the presence of thin straps or their absence.
Traditions of modern Egypt
An Egyptian family is created not by the love of the young, but by the conspiracy of relatives. In more secular families, young people choose their soul mate themselves, but the opinion of their parents is still taken into account. As a rule, Egyptian women get married very early, at about 13-14 years old. But not one of them will marry an untenable groom, even if age is very close.
Before marriage, a girl’s life in the family is not sweet, her parents don’t take their eyes off her, because even an innocent kiss on the cheek can ruin a girl’s life. If she allowed something free in relation to herself, she must marry this person or for the rest of her days she will be called a “sharmuta” (prostitute). She will be sent to the countryside for hard work, there she will grow old in complete loneliness, she will have no chance of marriage, family, or children.
Before the engagement, the newlyweds get to know each other only in the presence of relatives and parents; they are under no circumstances left alone, as this could discredit the girl. If they liked each other, a ceremony of matchmaking and bride ransom takes place.
Before the wedding, the groom negotiates the amount of the bride's ransom. This is done in the form of a regular auction, during which the amount of the ransom and gift to the parents for their daughter is determined.
After dating and matchmaking, the engagement does not take place immediately. Parents discuss the following issues in detail:
- Does the groom have his own home?
- When does he intend to purchase it (if not).
- The amount of the bride price is a specific amount; the girl uses it to buy gold and jewelry, which will provide her with financial stability in the event of a divorce.
- Dowry size.
In this way, parents find out how wealthy the man is and whether he can support his future wife. The bride is required to equip the kitchen of their future home (dishes, kitchen units, appliances).
Only if the parents managed to agree on all these points is the engagement date set. It should be noted that an engagement is a whole celebration in Egypt, to which many guests are invited and a feast is arranged.
Engagement
During the engagement, a young man comes to the bride with a gift. These are usually jewelry. He gives her four wedding rings and a necklace. It is believed that the more expensive the gift, the richer the groom. In addition, he must provide the bride's parents with evidence that he has his own home or name the exact time when he plans to buy it.
After the betrothal ceremony, the newlyweds are allowed to meet, walk the streets, go to the movies and cafes, but, most often, they are still accompanied by relatives from the bride’s side. All this is done so that no one doubts the girl’s piety. Before marriage, young people do not have any intimate relationships, touching or kissing.
If a young husband discovers during his wedding night that his wife is not a virgin, he drives her away in terrible shame. The girl’s family bears a stain of dishonor, which is very difficult to get rid of. In ancient times, a girl could be taken out into the desert and killed. And the unfaithful wife was dragged to the square, where the crowd stoned her to death. Of course, such atrocities have not survived in modern society, but here women’s piety is still treated very strictly.
You should immediately add a drop of ointment to the ointment! Many urban Egyptian women lead a completely European lifestyle, but do it secretly from their parents and relatives. And as soon as a suitable groom turns up, they go to the doctor and have an operation to restore virginity, after which they prepare for the wedding.
Wedding preparations
A wedding in Egypt is called zeffa. The ceremony depends on the level of wealth of the families. Rich Egyptians prefer to have European weddings, while middle-income people prefer to adhere to national traditions.
Of course, there are no sudden, secret, emergency weddings due to pregnancy in the country.
Traditionally, the bride wears a white dress, the more magnificent it is, the better. At a wedding, a girl is allowed a neckline. She also may not wear a headscarf. The groom is dressed in a suit.
Before the wedding, the bride traditionally visits the hammam, where her hands and feet are painted with henna.
Wedding in Egypt in winter
A symbolic wedding during this period of time is an opportunity to add a touch of romance to your honeymoon and at the same time save significantly on travel. In winter, prices in Egypt fall, the number of tourists decreases noticeably (of course, if we are not talking about the New Year holidays), and accordingly, the cost of services provided by wedding agencies also decreases.
The weather at this time of year will delight you with warmth, but there will be no sweltering heat. The only drawback is the wind, but it is unlikely that its light breezes will prevent lovers from sealing their union with the seal of Neptune himself.
Modern wedding
A modern wedding in Egypt (photo below) is held in the same way as thousands of years ago, it has the same traditions, rituals and customs. The groom takes the bride from home, they go to the mosque, where nikah is held (this is the name of marriage in the Islamic world). After which the solemn feast begins. The young people are seated in chairs and fumigated with smoke.
During the feast, national music sounds, drums beat, and horns sound. After this, the Koran is read, the bride and groom take a marriage vow. After the ceremony, the young people are taken to their new home and left alone.
Organization
A wedding ceremony in Turkey has many advantages over the traditional celebration at home. An undoubted advantage of holding a wedding ceremony in a tourist country is that it is possible to combine the wedding day with a honeymoon. If you invite relatives and friends with you, after the wedding they go to their homeland. You can also consider the option when lovers travel to Turkey alone. They get married and return to celebrate with loved ones at the end of their vacation.
Advantages of holding a wedding in Turkey:
- The high level of service allows you not to experience language difficulties. All hotels have employees who speak Russian fluently.
- No difficulties when crossing the air border. You are required to provide a minimum package of documents, and you apply for a visa at the airport upon arrival.
- The flight takes several hours. You will arrive on the shores of the Mediterranean or Aegean as quickly as you could at any Russian resort.
- Low pricing policy. Great competition allows us to keep affordable prices at such a level that even newlyweds with an average level of income can afford a honeymoon.
- A large number of ancient fortresses, mosques, and ruined cities will not leave any visitor indifferent. Why not spend your honeymoon exploring ancient monuments?
The wedding in Turkey pictured below is simply beautiful.
Feast
Towards evening they have a feast. Relatives, neighbors and friends are invited. Everyone, including young people, comes to the feast in new clothes. Before the meal, the Koran is read. The feast is accompanied by dancing, and men and women dance separately from each other.
The table of dishes must include festive pilaf, lots of snacks and sweets. A special wedding soup with a lot of seasonings is prepared for the newlyweds.
An interesting wedding tradition in Egypt is that the newlyweds must dance the shemodan - this is a rather complex but interesting dance with a candelabra on the head. Without it, the newlyweds are not considered spouses. At the first sounds of the shemodan, guests line up in a circle, into which the bride, groom and girl are launched, who shows the bride the dance moves. For half an hour, the bride performs a belly dance for the groom to the screams of jubilant guests.
Judging by the reviews, a wedding in Egypt is an exciting and mysterious spectacle, it seems as if you are being transported to the times of Ancient Egypt.
After the banquet, the newlyweds go to their new home and begin their life together.
Wedding dress styles
Nowadays, there is a huge selection of wedding dresses, but only certain styles of dresses are suitable for each figure.
Body Types:
- Triangle. Shoulders are wider than hips. The figure can be compared to an inverted triangle. Girls with this type of figure will suit extravagant dresses with an open neckline. The wedding look can be complemented with massive jewelry, such as a necklace, brooch or bracelet
- Hourglass. The shoulders and hips are approximately the same width, and the narrow waist stands out. Owners of such a figure can wear any outfit, everything will fit perfectly. But it will be better if you hide your hips a little with skirts that flare out from the hip.
- Apple. The upper body is larger, and the thin legs stand out. In this case, straight models will be inappropriate. High-waisted outfits will look good on such a figure. It is better to choose a dress that is not tight, without unnecessary elements, so as not to weigh down the image. It will be better if you wear jewelry separately, it could be a beautiful wreath on your head, a bright brooch or stylish beads.
- Pear. Hips dominate over shoulders. This figure is the most feminine. Therefore, the bride has a huge selection of dresses that will highlight her sophisticated figure. It is better to opt for dresses that emphasize the waist. It is better to complement the look with a beautiful massive necklace.
KNOWLEDGE BASE: The best short wedding dresses for pregnant women from leading fashion specialists
Polygamy
A man, according to Muslim traditions, can marry several women (maximum 4), both simultaneously and some time later. But then he will have to ask the permission of his first wife. At the same time, he must be able to provide financially for every woman. All women must be provided for equally, that is, if one has an apartment, then he must purchase equivalent housing for the other wife.
An Egyptian woman can only marry an Arab, but a man can marry a woman of any nationality.
How much does a wedding ceremony cost in Egypt?
Everything is much simpler for couples who are having a symbolic wedding. That is, the newlyweds hold an official wedding ceremony at home, and then plunge into the atmosphere of a paradise with white sand, a boat trip and a fantastic wedding photo shoot against the backdrop of Egyptian beauty. Such a symbolic ritual costs no more than the cost of a week-long tour to Egypt for two.
Prices for a symbolic ceremony
An Egyptian symbolic wedding ceremony is a unique chance for newlyweds to have a great rest, learn the history of an ancient civilization, enjoy the unique nature of Africa, and also save a lot of money. This celebration is ideal for couples who do not pursue wealth and luxury. The cost of a symbolic wedding ceremony ranges from $1000 and above, depending on the selected package and the resort in Egypt.
Cost of the official ceremony
Official marriages between foreign citizens or a foreign woman and an Egyptian are permitted only at the Cairo Notary Office of the Ministry of Justice. All other types of weddings, be it “nikah” or “orfi”, are not state registration of marriages. The documented union then needs to be translated into Russian and the documents certified at the Russian Embassy, otherwise the wedding ceremony will not be considered valid on the territory of Russia. The cost of an official marriage document through Egyptian wedding agencies will start from $3,000.
Divorce
Since ancient times, there is only one way to get a divorce. A man must say the word talaq, which means divorce, three times. If he says it 2 times, he can still return to his wife. But after the third time, he will no longer be able to return to his wife. After the divorce, the woman returns to her parents' house, she takes her wedding gift and dowry (if her husband allows it).
A woman can also initiate a divorce, but only if her husband does not support her financially, is absent for more than four months, or if he has mental problems. In addition, she must bring two witnesses.
It should be noted that the position of a woman after a divorce is not enviable. That’s why they endure a lot and go to great lengths to maintain their marital status.
Additional services
Prices do not include agent discount!
- Makeup and hairstyle for the bride with a Russian-speaking stylist visiting a hotel in Larnaca – 195 Euro, for Limassol – 280 Euro
- Mercedes E car for rent with driver – 95 Euro per hour (minimum 2 hours rental)
- Additional photographer hour – 125 Euro
- Rose petals – 40 Euro per basket
- Fresh flower arrangement for the table – from 70 euros (depending on the choice of flowers)
- Buffet for a couple and guests (minimum 6 people) – from 25 euros per person (cheese plate, seasonal fruit, water, champagne - calculated for the number of guests)
- Visit to the exquisite Dafermu winery, Lefkara for wine and cheese tasting – 190 Euro (for a group of up to 10 people)
- For groups there is a separate price list with recommended services
List of documents for citizens of the Russian Federation
In order for you to officially get married in Cyprus, you need the following original documents with translation into Greek or English, certified by a notary:
- A certificate of marital status (certificate of freedom) currently taken from the archives of the registry office at the place of residence - an Apostille is placed on the certificate, then translated into English and certified by a notary. If the registry office archives do not want to give such a certificate, you need to write a statement about your marital status with a notary, then translate the papers into English and have them certified by a notary.+ The court decision on divorce (if someone who wants to get married is divorced) is translated into English and certified by a notary.
- International passports (valid for at least three months after returning from a trip);
- Birth certificates (translated into English, certified by a notary); Copies of passports and all certificates must be sent in advance (2-3 weeks before the planned celebration) by email
Certificates are valid for 2 months.
Draw your attention to:
- The bride and groom must arrive in Cyprus no later than 3 working days before the wedding and remain on the island for at least 2-3 days after the ceremony in order to complete all necessary documents;
- a marriage performed in Cyprus is recognized as valid in Russia;
- The municipality has the right to request additional documents for registration; for this purpose, all documents are sent in advance for verification.
List of documents for citizens of Ukraine
In order for you to officially get married in Cyprus, you need the following original documents with translation into Greek or English, certified by a notary:
- A certificate of marital status (certificate of freedom) currently taken from the archives of the registry office at the place of residence - an Apostille is placed on the certificate, then translated into English and certified by a notary. If the registry office archives do not want to give such a certificate, you need to write a statement about your marital status with a notary, then get an Apostille, then translate the papers into English and have them certified by a notary.+ Court decree on divorce (if someone who wants to get married is divorced ) – an Apostille is placed on the divorce certificate, translated into English and certified by a notary.
- International passports (valid for at least three months after returning from a trip);
- Birth certificates (translated into English, certified by a notary);
- A copy of all pages of the Ukrainian passport. Copies of passports and all certificates must be sent in advance (2-3 weeks before the planned celebration) by email
Certificates are valid for 2 months.
Draw your attention to:
- Desirable: the bride and groom must arrive in Cyprus 3 working days before the wedding and stay on the island for at least 2-3 days after the ceremony in order to complete all the necessary documents;
- a marriage performed in Cyprus is recognized as valid on the territory of Ukraine;
- The municipality has the right to request additional documents for registration; for this purpose, all documents are sent in advance for verification.
