Traditional Damascene Wedding Memories

Hey everyone, let’s talk about the traditional Damascene wedding and the beautiful customs and traditions that bring us together.

Getting to Know Each Other

In Damascus, the engagement process begins with women discussing things over the phone. If everyone’s on board, the mother visits with her daughter or close relatives. Then, the groom comes to meet the bride in the presence of her father or brother. If everything goes well, they agree on the ‘naqed’ (bride’s dowry) payment and the ‘malboos al-badan’ amount.

The Engagement:

Once everything settles the bride and groom go shopping for rings with their mothers. The engagement period has gatherings, outings, and gifts. The engagement party is usually simple. It’s often held at the bride’s home or a hall, featuring traditional songs, dances, and lively Damascene chants.

Example: – Awha ya sahen l teen

Awhha majallal bil yasmine

Awha aroosetna el helwe

Awhha ma tappa‘it el-‘eshrin

– Lilililish

Preparing for the Big Day:

About a week before the wedding, both families start the “setting up of the household”. They distribute furniture and essentials to the new home and help the bride get everything ready.

The Wedding Day:

The groom

starts his day with a wedding bath at the public bathhouses, shaves, and prepares himself, surrounded by friends and family who help him. In the evening, the wedding begins, and they hold a religious celebration, distributing packets of Mlabas (sweets) and ice cream to the men.

The bride

gets ready in the morning, goes to the beauty salon for makeup and hair, then goes back to her family’s home to put on the white dress and finish getting ready.

The groom arrives at a specified time in a decorated car with a traditional band. The bride is welcomed with zagharit and songs and is seated on the “eski” (a special seating area). Weddings may feature either a DJ with music or a religious ceremony with a choir.

After about three hours, the groom moves from the men’s side to the women’s side and is greeted with songs like:

Shenglele Shenglele… Allah ya’eenoh ‘ala hal leela

Arees el zein yithanna yitlob ‘alayna w yitmanna

One of the most touching moments happens when the groom arrives at the women’s celebration. The groom’s father enters with him and performs a heartfelt gesture: he gently touches the bride’s forehead with the groom’s forehead. This act symbolizes his love and best wishes for the couple, expressing his hopes for their happiness and a blessed union.

The groom lifts the veil, kisses the bride, and they exchange rings and cut the cake. Weddings usually end around midnight or 1 AM, but some festivities continue until morning.

At the women’s section of the wedding, they serve Arabic ice cream in the summer and Mhalayeh in the winter, along with juices and sweets. After the wedding, the newlyweds head to their home or hotel with a decorated car procession, signaling their joy through the sound of horns that lets everyone know it’s a wedding celebration. The following day, families visit for the “Sabahia” (morning visit), and after five days, a small celebratory gathering for the bride called “Mubarakah” is held at home.

A Blend of Traditions:

A Damascene wedding is a beautiful blend of tradition, authenticity, and joy, creating cherished memories with its rich details and celebrations.

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