Jordan Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 23 traditional wedding ceremonies from 5 cultural traditions in Jordan.
Arab Sunni Muslim
Pre-wedding
Dowry (Groom's gift to Bride)(Mahr)
مهرA mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, often financial or in the form of jewelry, symbolizing her financial assurance and security in marriage.
Key elements
- Money, gold, jewelry.
Marriage Contract Signing
The legal marriage is formalized by signing a contract at the courthouse, often before the main wedding celebration.
Key elements
- Legal contract, courthouse/religious venue.
Formal Proposal / Family Request for Marriage(Al-Jaha)
الجاهةThe groom's family formally visits the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage, establishing respect and familiarity between families.
Key elements
- Formal request, symbolic act of respect, coffee (drinking it signifies acceptance), groom's father gifts besht and money to bride's father.
Henna Night(Laylat al-Henna)
ليلة الحناءA women-only celebration where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, symbolizing beauty and good luck.
Key elements
- Henna application, singing, dancing, traditional ornaments, Arabic coffee, sweets. Groom may visit with a gift.
Nassa (Bride's Gathering)(Nassa)
Casual and intimate gatherings where the bride spends time with her first-degree relatives and family, singing and dancing.
Key elements
- Singing, dancing, comforting dinner, storytelling.
Groom's Shower
A playful event where groomsmen cover the groom in condiments before his wedding day haircut and shower.
Key elements
- Condiments, singing, haircut.
Wedding day
Bride's Departure from Family Home
An emotional moment where the bride leaves her family home, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and blessings from her parents.
Key elements
- Gold jewelry/money from parents, emotional farewell, furwa (Bedouin coat) for father.
Wedding Car Procession
A lively car procession where guests follow the couple's car to the venue, with music, dancing, honking, and sometimes celebratory gunfire.
Key elements
- Decorated cars, loud music, singing, dancing, honking, celebratory gunfire (traditional, but varies).
Zaffeh
الزفةA lively procession marking the beginning of the celebration, with traditional music, dancing, and often drummers and fire performances.
Key elements
- Traditional music, dancing, drummers, fire performances, festive atmosphere.
Reception
Dabkeh
الدبكةA traditional Jordanian folk dance performed by both men and women, involving synchronized stomping movements to traditional music.
Key elements
- Synchronized stomping, traditional music, energetic atmosphere.
Post-wedding
Mansaf Feast(Mansaf)
المنسفThe national dish of Jordan, Mansaf (lamb, rice, yogurt sauce), served on a large platter, emphasizing communal spirit and hospitality.
Key elements
- Lamb, rice, jameed (fermented dried yogurt sauce), communal eating from a large platter.
Post-Wedding Family Dinners
After the honeymoon, the newly-married couple fulfills obligations of family dinner invites, typically starting with the groom's family.
Key elements
- Mansaf, other dishes, social interaction.
Christian (Greek Orthodox)
Wedding day
Rite of Betrothal (Greek Orthodox)
The first part of the Orthodox marriage service where the couple exchanges rings as a pledge of their voluntary commitment to marriage.
Key elements
- Exchange of rings (worn on right hand), blessing by priest, Psalm 128.
Rite of Crowning (Greek Orthodox)
The central part of the Orthodox marriage service where crowns are placed on the couple's heads, symbolizing their roles as 'king and queen' of their home church.
Key elements
- Placing of crowns (often flowers, tied with ribbon), joining of hands, common cup of wine, scripture readings (Ephesians 5:20-33, John 2:1-11), procession ('Dance of Isaiah').
Christian (Greek Orthodox, Catholic)
Pre-wedding
Sahar (Pre-Wedding Party)(Sahar)
سهرA night-before party with thumping music, dancing, and a very late dinner, often held outdoors under tents.
Key elements
- Appetizers (hummus, tabbouleh), chicken and rice, dessert, fireworks, singing, dancing.
Wedding day
Groom's Dressing Ceremony
The groom is hoisted on shoulders and dressed for the wedding amidst drumming and traditional songs, with songs sometimes detailing the clothing items.
Key elements
- Drumming, traditional songs, ceremonial dressing.
Mansaf Lunch (Christian Wedding)(Mansaf)
المنسفA large lunch featuring Mansaf, served before the wedding ceremony, emphasizing communal dining.
Key elements
- Lamb, rice, hot yogurt, communal eating by hand.
Post-Ceremony Greetings & Chocolate
Guests greet the newlyweds and their families, and each guest receives a piece of chocolate.
Key elements
- Greetings, chocolate.
Circassian
Pre-wedding
Circassian Zaffeh(Zaffeh)
A lively procession, often with traditional Circassian music and dance, announcing the celebration.
Key elements
- Circassian music (accordion, drums), dance, celebration of the groom.
Wedding day
Bride's Formal Entrance (Circassian)
The bride is brought to the groom's family home in a formal procession and stands quietly in a designated corner, showing modesty and dignity.
Key elements
- Formal procession, beautifully dressed bride, quiet presence, respect from guests.
Circassian Wedding Feast
A massive feast featuring Circassian cuisine, prepared by the women of the groom's extended family, reflecting hospitality and adherence to Habze.
Key elements
- Meat, walnut sauces, Adyghe cheese, haliva, lakum, wedding chicken (гуашэ джэд) for the bride.
Groom's Concealment (Circassian)
The groom is often absent from his own wedding celebration, staying hidden with friends while families celebrate.
Key elements
- Groom's absence from main event.
Turkoman
Wedding day
Asmalyks Procession(Asmalyks)
Asmalyks (decorated textiles) are used in Turkoman wedding processions, traditionally draped over camels.
Key elements
- Decorated textiles, camels (historically).
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