Lebanon Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 11 traditional wedding ceremonies from 7 cultural traditions in Lebanon.
Druze
Pre-wedding
Engagement(Khotbeh (خطبة))
خطبةA formal engagement ceremony where the groom's family officially asks for the bride's hand in marriage from her family, and the agreement is publicly announced.
Key elements
- Formal proposal, acceptance, exchange of rings, blessings from elders, celebratory gathering. Attire is formal. Colors are typically festive. Symbols include rings. Food and sweets are usually served, and music may be present.
Reception
Wedding Celebration(Urs (عرس))
عرسA festive gathering to celebrate the marriage, often characterized by music, dancing, and a communal meal, reflecting the close-knit nature of the Druze community.
Key elements
- Music, Dabke dancing, communal feast. Attire is formal and festive. Colors are vibrant. Symbols include community solidarity and joy. Food and music are central.
Greek Orthodox
Wedding day
The Betrothal (Blessing of the Rings)(Khotbeh / Al-Khutba (خطبة) - *General Arabic term, specific Greek Orthodox liturgical term may vary but often referred to simply as the Betrothal service.*)
خطبةThe first part of the Orthodox wedding sacrament where the couple is betrothed by the church. The priest blesses the rings and places them on the couple's right hands, which are then exchanged three times by the sponsor (Koumbaro/Koumbara).
Key elements
- Rings, blessings, prayers, the sign of the cross. The exchange of rings three times symbolizes the Holy Trinity. Attire is formal wedding wear. Colors are typically white and gold. Symbols include the rings (eternal union) and the number three (Trinity).
Maronite Catholic
Wedding day
Crowning Ceremony(Akliil (إكليل))
إكليلA central part of the Maronite wedding rite where crowns (or garlands) are placed on the heads of the bride and groom, symbolizing their establishment as king and queen of their new household, their dignity, splendor, and God's approval.
Key elements
- Crowns (often made of metal or flowers), blessings, prayers, exchange of rings (often blessed earlier), sometimes a common cup of wine. Attire is typically formal wedding attire (white gown for bride, suit for groom). Colors are often white and gold, symbolizing purity and divinity. Symbols include the crowns, rings, and the Bible. Food and music are not directly part of this specific ceremony but are part of the broader wedding celebration.
Shia Muslim
Pre-wedding
Marriage Contract(Nikah (نكاح))
نكاحThe formal Islamic marriage contract ceremony, similar to Sunni Katb al-Kitab, where the terms of the marriage are agreed upon and witnessed, making the union religiously and legally valid.
Key elements
- Recitation of specific verses (often six), agreement on Mahr (dowry), signing of the marriage contract. Attire is modest and formal. Colors vary. Symbols include the Quran. Food and music are typically part of any subsequent celebration.
Shia Muslim (specifically mentioned for Iraqi Shia, likely present in Lebanese Shia communities)
Pre-wedding
The Walk / Asking for the Bride's Hand(Al-Mashy / Al-Mashaya (المشي / المشاية))
المشي / المشايةA formal procession where a selection of men, often chosen by women, walk to the bride’s family home to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
Key elements
- Formal request and acceptance, blessings from elders. Attire is formal. Colors are not specified but would be appropriate for a formal visit. Symbols include respect, tradition, and the formal union of families. Food and music are not central to the procession itself but may be part of the subsequent gathering.
Wedding day
Marriage Table Spread(Sofrat al-‘Aqd (سفرة العقد))
سفرة العقدAn all-female activity where a table cloth is spread with various symbolic objects like a mirror, candles, a copy of the Qur’an, and food items (nuts, eggs, corn, honey) representing fertility and blessings.
Key elements
- Table spread with symbolic items (mirror, candles, Qur'an, nuts, eggs, corn, honey). Attire is modest and formal. Colors are often festive. Symbols include fertility, blessings, and religious significance. Food items are symbolic rather than for consumption during the ceremony itself. Music is not explicitly mentioned as central to this specific ritual.
Sunni Muslim
Reception
Marriage Contract Signing(Katb al-Kitab (كتب الكتاب))
كتب الكتابThe formal Islamic marriage ceremony where the marriage contract is signed by the bride, groom, and witnesses in the presence of a Sheikh or Imam, making the marriage religiously and legally binding.
Key elements
- Marriage contract (Aqd al-Nikah), recitation of Quranic verses, blessings, Mahr (dowry) agreement. Attire is typically modest and formal. Colors vary but often include white for the bride. Symbols include the Quran and prayer beads. Food and music are not central to the signing itself but are part of any accompanying celebration.
Sunni Muslim (and broadly Arab/Lebanese culture)
Pre-wedding
Henna Party(Laylieh (ليلة الحناء))
ليلة الحناءA festive pre-wedding gathering, primarily for the bride and her female relatives and friends, where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet, symbolizing good fortune, beauty, and protection.
Key elements
- Henna application, traditional music, dancing, singing, festive decorations. Attire is often traditional and colorful. Colors are vibrant, with henna itself being reddish-brown. Symbols include good luck, fertility, protection from evil eye, and beauty. Traditional sweets and drinks are often served. Music and singing are central.
Reception
Traditional Line Dance(Dabke (دبكة))
دبكةA communal line dance performed at celebrations, including weddings, where participants hold hands and follow the lead dancer, symbolizing unity and joy.
Key elements
- Rhythmic footwork, synchronized movements, traditional Arabic music. Attire is typically festive. Colors are vibrant. Symbols include community, celebration, and cultural heritage. Food and drinks are part of the reception. Music is integral.
Wedding Procession(Zaffe (زفة))
زفةA lively and energetic musical procession that announces the arrival of the bride and groom to the wedding reception, often involving professional dancers, drummers, and musicians.
Key elements
- Traditional Arabic music (often with drums and horns), elaborate dancing, sometimes swords or canes. Attire is formal wedding attire. Colors are vibrant and festive. Symbols include joy, celebration, and the union of two families. Food and drinks are part of the reception that follows. Music is central to the ceremony.
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