The Wedding
... Not mine!I have attended a wedding party (three this month) of female co-workers. They are all Saudi nationals of course. The visitors are required to put on dress (as in long gowns same like going on an Oscars Awards Night), with adorably heavy make ups by the Saudi females. I bought one long gown, got excited to the idea that we can take photos during the party only to find out we can't.
No remembrance whatsoever. The place was a big social hall, separated by walls, the female and the male area. Females go have party with themselves and males on the other. No seeing each other. Saudi music playing, pica foods, and dinner (whole sheep in one table; with more than 30 tables). The females could only eat after the males have eaten. So imagine the dinner table after the males have already eaten. Can't describe.
We got no sight of the bride. Where was she? Hiding in one room with all the beautiful wedding gown and make up on. I don't have any idea if photos were taken to have at least a remembrance of her special day. She's still on honeymoon vacation so I can't ask.
Just the idea of not having any photo or video on my wedding day is so sad. I want my special day to be remembered thru those photos and videos. But who I am to say that for the females saudis, their wedding is there special day. They did not even have a glance of whom they would marry before the wedding day.
For me, I love my wedding day to be recorded and remembered. It doesn't have to be grand, a simple wedding will do as long as my beloved ones will be there and that I am marrying to the person that loves me and I love him to. And yes, I believe in marriage!
Comments (43)
No comment!
The dinner food was serve like this.
And no plates being used by the males in eating (as what I have informed). So they use their hands directly eating on this bowl of food. I didn't have my appetite to eat.
Its for us Christians to have at least a big photo album of that special day. For them saudis here, No. I respect them.
Shay
The wedding is usually the Bride
is in a hall with all the females
present. Its right no photographs
the women there cannot risk it, they
would be severely punished by their
husbands if a shot of them was to come
out in public. <=== You are right.
What the females only have were the pica foods (chocolates, small cakes, small breads they called patayer and some sorts). Around 11 PM females were ask to eat dinner. Only to see in the dinner hall the food already runsack by the males). I did have fruits anyways.
No sight of the bride and the groom. I am going to another wedding tonight, not on a long dress but on my casual sunday dress under my abaya. I hope I can see the bride.
Ah, so they actually see each other before the party. That I am ignorant.
Thank you Sailfree for clarifying for me.
Its all different here Ate. The first time I attended a wedding here, I was excited to see the bride in her beautiful gown and the groom in his best tob (the white long cloth arab men wear), but no, I didn't see that. Now, I will be just looking on the dresses of the female visitors and their variety of make up styles. Mind you Ate, not just light make ups....
I know You still want the Pinas style wedding
Imbetahin mo ako gusto ko magsabit di ko pa naranasan yan
Hey, wish you well on your around the corner - back to home visit...lots of love, hugs, tears & kissing awaiting..May it go down well..Enjoy!
Strange weding, and the food look like they throw the chiken in there and thats the food
Thank you for sharing your story. Well, I think your experiences (in attending these weddings) were quite challenging to know and to get a better understanding over a culture that is totally different than yours back home
I wish all the best for your friends' marriage
I like what you said on your blog's last paragraph
I haven't greeted you in a long time so "hello". Always good to see you!
What a shame that countries, beliefs and customs can be so smothering. Your strong to just accept and not complain and that's good. It shows your a real woman!
It's also good you didn't eat. Whatta a society that treats women like that. It is very shameful. Again, good for you not to worry about it and criticize!
Yeah, its their way here so I guess I just have to observe. Have a nice day to you Laz.
Definitely different from the way our Filipino wedding is. But I am glad I had the opportunity to see and have a look at their's here.
You're welcome by the way Lach. Hope that wedding will come soonest and that will make me the happiest. And same goes to you Lach.