Saudi culture: wedding
In Arabia, cultural marriages are facilitated by the elders from the prospective bride. Marriage proposal, on the other hand, is initiated by the groom, often done by himself or by his parents to the bride’s father. According to the Arabia culture, it is the responsibility of the womenfolk to seek for an eligible bride, after which they would contact the bride’s mother or sister for an alliance. After the alliance, the groom’s father would be informed. The groom’s father would then take the initiative of contacting the bride’s family. If an agreement is reached between the two negotiating families, the bride and the groom may be allowed to meet. The man, on the other hand, may shoe his consent by giving gifts. However, the bride has the right to decline the gifts if she would not like the marriage alliance to go ahead.
Preceding this moment, a small wedding ceremony will be held before the main celebrations.
The actual wedding celebrations involves solemnizing the union before a religious Sheikh. The religious Sheikh is always an Islamic magistrate. The ceremony is always witnessed by three people who maybe all male or at times they could be two female and one male. During this ceremony, the Sheikh asks the groom his exchange to the groom for her hand in marriage, often referred to as mehr. This would then be followed by a celebration held in a designated place for the occasion. Throughout the celebrations, a separate sitting arrangement would be maintained between the male and females. In most of the times, the groom would be seated with the friends in a different place from the males. After the celebrations, the couple is then escorted to a place where they get to sit as family among their relatives and friends.
Camping
The Badouins in Saudi Arabia generally live a nomadic lifestyle. The word Badouins is derived from the word ‘Bedou’, which also means ‘dessert dwellers’. The population of Badouins in Middle East is estimated at one tenth of the entire population. The Badouins are pastoralist who heard a number of animals like cattle camels, sheep and goats. The Badouins always move further into the desert during the winter season. When the seasons change to hot and dry summer, they camp near water bodies. These tribe of people divide themselves into groups of families and tribes. With regards to their ancestral origins and professions, the tribe is further segregated into social classes. In the various social classes, one can move from one class to the other; however, it is hard for marriages to take place among the different social classes.
The Badouins camp in tents that are traditionally associated with their homes. The tents are divided into three sections; the men’s section, the family area and the kitchen. The rooms are segmented by curtains. The center of the people’s social life is carried out in the men’s area. It is in this area that the gusts are received and the host prepares coffee. Tea is served to visitors as a welcome gesture and coffee is taken after the meals have been served.
Hosts may express their kindness and open-handedness to their visitors by offering food and drinks. Men sit separately from the women separated by a curtain in their camping tents. After the evening meal, men sit in their section of the tent to trading news and talking about their animals while the women gather in the kitchen areas preparing the main meals. Rice and mutton or lamb are then served as dinner to the visitors.
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the major holidays of in Saudi Arabia, marked from dawn to dusk. It is regarded as the holiest season of the year. Seasons marking Ramadan are based on the lunar calendar and as such the dates are not constant in every year. During this season, Saudi’s do not eat, drink or smoke from dawn to dusk. One is also advised to refrain from sexual relations. In addition, one is not allowed to work more than six hours during this period. At sunset, families gather to break their fast. Souks, which re the markets, have reduced activities hence tourist visiting the regions should be equipped with the information.
The month of Ramadan is also observed by Muslims all over the world as the holy month of fasting. The period usually last about 29 to 30 days. In some arguments it is, it is noted that this during season, the Saudi’s and even some Muslims are not allowed to engage in some activities that are deemed sinful. Some of the activities are like swearing, arguing and even gambling.
Ramadan is an obligation for all adult Muslims, however, this is an exception to adults who are ailing, pregnant or those who are travelling. Females who are in their monthly menstrual bleeding, pregnant or breast feeding are also exempted from Ramadan. The obligation of fasting was first introduced during the month of Sha’aban. This was the second year preceding Muslims movement from Mecca to Medina. For Muslims in geographical locations with phenomena like polar night or even midnight sun, they always follow the timetable from Mecca.
Eid
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’ is one of the most important celebrations in Saudi Arabia. The event is also one of the most honored religious days among Muslims worldwide. The day of Eid is one where Muslims do not fast. It is the day celebrated to mark the end of the 29 or 30 day fast of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fast in the Muslim community. This day is marked as the beginning of Shawwal. Just like the Ramadan, Eid is also dependent on the lunar calendar and thus it varies with regards to the new moon. The exact day of Eid varies from region to region. On the contrary, most counties or locations try to coincide their celebrations of Eid with the actual day in Saudi Arabia.
The day of Eid is celebrated in Saudi Arabia as well as to other Muslim regions all over the world. This day is marked by a special prayer known as Salat. The Salat is a combination of two units known as Rakats. The prayers are usually conducted in open fields or big buildings. The day of Eid is the typically the first day of the observation of the crescent moon just after sunset. In circumstances that the moon is not observed on the 29th day due to reasons like cloud cover or weather conditions, the celebrations for the day is pushed on to the next day.