Last week, a fellow teacher and friend of mine from school had his engagement party. The way in which engagements come about here is interesting and quite different from the way we do it in the United States. Contrary to the US, people here start "dating" (as we see it) after they are engaged. Before the actual engagement, the family of the man goes to the house of the woman, and the families discuss the possibility of engagement. So, from what I understand, this is where they decide if the man and woman are to be engaged. If both families agree, then the couple has their engagement party, where they have a ceremony (by a religious figure) and exchange rings that are worn on their right hands. Following the ceremony is a huge party, similar to a wedding reception in the US. Palestinians sure do know how to party...they have the engagement party, and then the week before the actual wedding is full of parties...the henna party (for women only), the bachelor's party (for women and men), and then the actual wedding. I have been fortunate enough to attend 2 weddings, a henna party, a bachelor's party, and an engagement party.
The engagement party was especially memorable, because I actually knew the groom-to-be and his family. We have been invited to his house a few times, and his parents have been so warm and receptive towards us. His father told us that we are like daughters to him, which is nice to hear when you are thousands of miles from home.
The night was full of music, dancing, laughter, friends, and food. I sat at the "teacher's table" with teachers from the Beit Sahour school. It was fun to spend time with them outside of the school. We danced the night away. Meredith and I were especially excited to hear such songs as "Barbie Girl" and the "Macarena" but were a little surprised when we and one other girl were the only ones doing the dance! Mish mushgula (not a problem)...we danced anyways. At one point in the evening, I danced with the groom-to-be's mother for an entire song. The camera was on us the whole time, so I will forever be a part of their family videos!
The engagement party was especially memorable, because I actually knew the groom-to-be and his family. We have been invited to his house a few times, and his parents have been so warm and receptive towards us. His father told us that we are like daughters to him, which is nice to hear when you are thousands of miles from home.
The night was full of music, dancing, laughter, friends, and food. I sat at the "teacher's table" with teachers from the Beit Sahour school. It was fun to spend time with them outside of the school. We danced the night away. Meredith and I were especially excited to hear such songs as "Barbie Girl" and the "Macarena" but were a little surprised when we and one other girl were the only ones doing the dance! Mish mushgula (not a problem)...we danced anyways. At one point in the evening, I danced with the groom-to-be's mother for an entire song. The camera was on us the whole time, so I will forever be a part of their family videos!
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1 comment:
Could you help me and tell me what is an appropriate gift for an engagement party? Thanks
sagerdonna@gmail.com
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