Rhiannon Hendricks
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses in Arab cultures is a topic that has been discussed and questioned by many. While some associate the white wedding dress with Western influence, others consider it a long-standing custom in certain regions. For instance, in some parts of the Arab world, such as Saudi Arabia, the traditional bridal attire was not a white dress, but a black dress embroidered in gold. However, over time, many Saudi brides have adopted the white dress while still incorporating traditional elements during the wedding celebrations. The white wedding dress tradition in Arab cultures may have originated around the 1950s, and it is not representative of all Arab countries, as each country and region has its own unique wedding traditions and garments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for wearing white wedding dresses | White wedding dresses are a Western colonial introduction |
| Traditional wedding dress in Tunisia | Traditional Tunisian dress |
| Traditional wedding dress in Saudi Arabia | Marshada, a fancy black dress embroidered in gold |
| Traditional wedding dress in Basra | White Dishdasha, a Ghutra (white), and Uqal |
| Traditional wedding dress in the Levant, Egypt, and Iraq | Tuxedos/ties |
| Traditional wedding dress in Jordan | Thobe/Shemagh |
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What You'll Learn
- Tunisian brides wear white on the last day of week-long celebrations
- White wedding dresses are a relatively modern tradition, dating to the 1950s
- Some Arabs view the white dress as a Western colonial introduction
- In Saudi Arabia, brides traditionally wear a black dress called a marshada
- Men in the Maghreb region and some areas of Jordan and Iraq wear traditional thobe/shemaugh
Tunisian brides wear white on the last day of week-long celebrations
In Tunisia, weddings are traditionally week-long celebrations. The bride is the centre of attention for the duration of the festivities, and she wears a range of different outfits, including several traditional dresses. Tunisian brides typically change their outfits several times, with some sources stating that brides wear up to seven traditional dresses, while others state that brides change their outfits an average of four times.
On the final day of the celebrations, the bride wears a white dress. This is a relatively modern tradition, dating back to the 1950s, and is likely influenced by Western colonial culture. On this day, the couple comes together to celebrate with family, friends, and guests. The bride and groom exchange rings, and the husband presents his bride with a bouquet, which is a sign of fertility.
In the lead-up to the wedding, the bride's family gathers to present her with household items, such as furniture, textiles, and cooking utensils, to the accompaniment of traditional melodies. The first day of the wedding week is called "saboun", where the women of the family prepare the bride's trousseau by ironing and decorating. The second day is "hazzén el farch", when the bride's trousseau is unpacked and stored. The third day is dedicated to the bride, known as "laarousa" or "hammam", where the bride is treated to a hammam, a clay mask, and a body scrub to ensure her skin is soft and radiant.
The fourth day is the "henna" ceremony, where henna is applied to the bride's hands and feet in intricate designs called "harkous". It is believed that henna brings luck and happiness to the bride in her new life. The fifth day is the "harkous" ceremony, where another layer of henna is applied. The sixth day is the "outéya" or "outia", a traditional festival where the bride, dressed in oriental attire, stands in front of her guests. The groom also enjoys a party on this day, similar to a bachelor party.
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White wedding dresses are a relatively modern tradition, dating to the 1950s
Wedding dresses in white are a relatively modern tradition for Arabs, dating back only to the 1950s. While it is common today for brides in the Arab world to wear white wedding dresses, this was influenced by Western colonial introduction and is not a long-standing tradition. In fact, traditional Arab wedding attire varies across different regions and cultures.
For example, in Tunisia, brides wear several traditional dresses throughout the week-long wedding celebrations, donning the white dress only on the final day. Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, while most brides now wear a typical white dress, they also wear a traditional black dress called a "marshada", which is embroidered in gold, on the night of "laylat al ghamra", equivalent to the henna night.
In the Maghreb region, Gulf, and some areas of Jordan and Iraq, men traditionally wear a thobe or shemagh for weddings, while in the Levant, Egypt, and Iraq, men typically wear tuxedos or ties today. In Basra, prior to the British occupation, men wore a white dishdasha, a ghutra, and a uqal. However, after the occupation, they transitioned to Western-style clothing to emulate the effendis, who wore Ottoman Effendi attire similar to Western dress.
The adoption of white wedding dresses by Arabs demonstrates how cultural practices can evolve and be influenced by external factors, in this case, Western colonial introduction. While some Arabs may view the adoption of white wedding dresses as a form of modernisation, others may perceive it as a departure from their traditional cultural practices. This highlights the complex dynamics between traditional and modern influences in shaping cultural norms and practices within a society.
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Some Arabs view the white dress as a Western colonial introduction
Some Arabs view the white wedding dress as a Western colonial introduction. This sentiment is particularly prevalent among Maghrebi Arabs, who have noticed that many brides from "charqi" (Eastern) countries have completely switched to the white European dress. In contrast, Maghrebi brides usually wear traditional dresses, only donning the white gown on the last day of their week-long wedding celebrations.
For example, in Tunisia, brides wear several traditional dresses throughout the week, celebrating different occasions such as the Hammam, Henna, and Sdaq (kitb ktab). Similarly, in Morocco, brides wear various outfits, including a traditional Moroccan dress, and only don a white dress on the final day of the wedding or at the end of the party.
The adoption of the white wedding dress in the Arab world is relatively recent, dating back to the 1950s. Some believe that it was influenced by Western colonial powers, just like the transition to Western clothing styles in Basra after the British occupation. This view challenges the notion of the white dress as the "traditional" Arab wedding attire, arguing that it is a modern Western aesthetic that does not fit with the rich variety of Arab wedding traditions.
While some Arabs express condescension towards Maghrebi wedding traditions that deviate from the Western model, others defend the right to retain their unique cultural practices. They question why they should adhere to rules set by former colonial powers and celebrate the preservation of their own traditions. This debate highlights the complex dynamics between different Arab cultures and their relationships with Western influences.
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In Saudi Arabia, brides traditionally wear a black dress called a marshada
In many Arab countries, brides wear white dresses, which is a tradition with roots in Western colonial influence. However, in Saudi Arabia, brides have a distinct traditional dress called the "marshada". This is a black dress with gold embroidery, often worn on the "laylat al ghamra", or henna night. During this pre-wedding celebration, the bride's hands and feet are decorated with paste made from the henna plant. While some Saudi brides now opt for a typical white dress, many still choose to wear the traditional marshada, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the region.
The marshada is a stark contrast to the white wedding dresses often associated with Arab brides. This deviation from the "modern Western aesthetic" has sometimes led to condescending attitudes towards certain Arab cultures, with some viewing the white dress as the standard. However, the tradition of wearing white is a relatively recent phenomenon, dating back to the 1950s.
In Saudi Arabia, brides traditionally wear the marshada, a black dress adorned with intricate gold embroidery. This outfit is often reserved for the henna night, a celebration that originates from South Asian traditions. During this ceremony, the bride's hands and feet are adorned with decorative paste made from the henna plant, marking the occasion with symbolic rituals.
The marshada is a reflection of the diverse and vibrant traditional female dress in Saudi Arabia, which varies across different regions. Women's clothing includes daily wear, special occasion dresses, and outfits for going out, often paired with head coverings and accessories like jewellery. The marshada, with its elegant black fabric and opulent gold embroidery, exemplifies the beauty and cultural significance of Saudi Arabia's traditional attire.
While some Saudi brides have adopted the white dress, the marshada remains an important symbol of cultural heritage, often incorporated into wedding celebrations. This traditional dress showcases the unique fashion sensibilities and cultural practices of Saudi Arabia, offering a glimpse into the rich history and diversity of the region's wedding traditions.
In conclusion, while white wedding dresses have become common in various Arab countries due to Western influence, Saudi Arabia proudly upholds its distinct tradition of the marshada. This elegant black dress, embellished with gold embroidery, is a testament to the country's cultural richness and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse wedding traditions.
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Men in the Maghreb region and some areas of Jordan and Iraq wear traditional thobe/shemaugh
In the Maghreb region and some areas of Jordan and Iraq, men wear traditional thobes/shemaugh. The thobe, also known as a thawb, dishdasha, kandura, or jalabiya, is a long-sleeved, ankle-length robe worn by men in the Middle East and North Africa. It is a traditional garment with significant cultural, religious, and historical importance, often seen as a symbol of modesty, humility, respectability, and cultural pride. The thobe is typically made with lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, making it ideal for the hot climates of the region.
The style of the thobe varies between regions. In the Arabian Peninsula, it is commonly referred to as a kandura or dishdasha, while in North Africa, it may be known as a jalabiya. In the UAE and Oman, men's thobes have no collar and use frog closures, while in Oman, tassels tend to be short, and in the UAE, they extend to the waist. In Jordan and Iraq, the thobe is likely to have regional variations in name and style as well.
The shemagh, also known as a keffiyeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf that is usually worn with a thobe. It has both practical and symbolic significance, offering protection from the sun, wind, and sand while also being a fashion statement. The way the shemagh is draped and worn can vary depending on the occasion, from formal events to casual outings. For weddings, it is common to see a neatly folded and secured shemagh, often in a classic red-and-white or black-and-white pattern, paired with a white thobe.
In recent years, thobes and shemaghs have become popular fashion items, with fashion designers adding modern twists to these traditional garments. They are not limited by race, ethnicity, or religion, and can be worn by anyone wishing to embrace the cultural diversity and beauty they represent.
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Frequently asked questions
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses was introduced to the culture and dates back to the 1950s.
Before the 1950s, Arab brides wore traditional dresses, which varied across regions. For example, Saudi brides traditionally wore a dress called a marshada, a fancy black dress embroidered in gold.
No, some Arab brides continue to wear traditional dresses, which differ from the typical white wedding dress. For example, in some regions, brides wear traditional dresses on the night before the wedding, which is equivalent to the henna night.
No, in some regions, Arab brides wear multiple dresses throughout the wedding celebrations, which can last about a week.
