Egyptian Wedding Traditions

The ancient Egyptians were the first people who instated marriage laws. Many weddings in Egypt are still arranged, but that is starting to change in the more metropolitan areas. The grooms family proposes to the bride. Before the vows are exchanged there is a wedding march called a Zaffa. The Zaffa is comprised of traditional Egyptian music, belly dancers, and performers with flaming swords. Egyptians believe that the ring finger has a vein that runs directly to the heart. Then the couple will sign a marriage contract at the brides house or at the local mosque.

Weddings in Upper Egypt

In Upper Egypt (the southern half of Egypt) boys do not grow up with girls. An old woman, called a -El-khatba”, serves as a matchmaker for her village. If a -El-khatba” is not used, quite often the groom will marry a woman in his own family. A common type of marriage in Upper Egypt is between cousins. It is very usual for a bride in Upper Egypt to marry someone that her family doesn’t know personally. While it is illegal for girls under the age of 15 to get married, it is not uncommon for girls as young as 9 to be engaged.

The separation between women and men continues at the wedding. The groom and the male guest will celebrate in one area, and the bride and the female guest will celebrate in other area. Education and women’s rights are slowly moving into Upper Egypt, but many of the older traditions still remain.