Monday, May 16, 2011
Muslim Bride
By way of a chance encounter, I had the honor of being invited to a traditional Arabic wedding. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend. I hope I'll get another invitation in the future! How did this come about? I went to a "no appointments necesssary" manicure/pedicure salon at the Villagio Mall and while having services done, three veiled Qatari women came inside. Once inside the "ladies only" mini salon, they uncovered their faces. They were (most likely) in their early twenties and very giddy and friendly...I commented on their henna tatoos on their hands and feet and they explained that they had just had this done at a pre-nuptial party and one of them was the bride! After talking a while, and learning I was American, the sister of the bride invited me to come to the wedding that night (she gave me the address and her cell phone number). She explained that the wedding party was segregated (men at one location, women at another) and that the groom would make an appearance later in the evening to dance with the bride. She said that the women did not wear their abiyas, but rather dressed very formally in evenings gowns. I explained that I wasn't prepared for a formal wedding, but she said she only "wanted to welcome me to Qatar" and thought I would like to see the wedding. I was very interested, but Paul and Mia and I actually had other plans. The bonding among women is very strong here and friendship is taken seriously. This is true with the men also.
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