Egypt Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 16 traditional wedding ceremonies from 2 cultural traditions in Egypt.
Coptic Christian
Wedding day
Anointing with Holy Oil
The couple is anointed with holy oil, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Key elements
- Holy oil
Bible Readings
Passages from the Bible are read during the ceremony.
Key elements
- Bible verses
Matrimonial Prayers & Hymns
Prayers and hymns are recited to bless the union.
Key elements
- Prayers, hymns
Priest Admonition
The priest offers advice to the couple, traditionally emphasizing the bride's submission, though less seriously followed today.
Key elements
- Verbal advice
Reception
Kosha
A raised, elegantly decorated seating area where the couple sits during the reception.
Key elements
- Elegant sofa, regal decor
Sharbat and Cake Cutting
The couple cuts a multi-layered cake and feeds each other, then drinks Sharbat, a traditional sweet fruit and herb drink.
Key elements
- Multi-layered cake, Sharbat (sweet fruit/herb drink)
Zaffa
A lively wedding procession accompanying the couple's entrance to the reception, with music, drums, and often belly dancers.
Key elements
- Music, drums, trumpets, zaghrouta
Post-wedding
Zaghareet
Women produce high-pitched trilling sounds to express joy and celebration.
Key elements
- Vocalizations
Sunni Muslim
Pre-wedding
Engagement Contract(Je Peniot)
A public declaration of the couple's intention to marry, signed in the presence of a clergyman and parents.
Key elements
- Signed contract
Mahr and Shabka
The groom provides a sum of money (mahr) to the bride's family and jewelry (shabka) to the bride.
Key elements
- Money, gold and precious gems
Marriage Contract(Yekteb Ketaboh)
A legally binding marriage contract detailing the mahr and shabka, signed by the groom and bride's family, followed by scripture reading.
Key elements
- Signed contract, scripture reading
Henna Night(Laylat Al Henna)
A female-only celebration where the bride's hands and feet are adorned with henna designs, accompanied by music and dancing.
Key elements
- Henna, pink cotton/silk dress, music, dancing
Wedding day
Ring Switching
The couple switches their wedding rings from their right hand to their left hand, symbolizing the transition from engagement to marriage.
Key elements
- Wedding rings
Zaffa
A lively wedding procession accompanying the couple's entrance, featuring drummers, belly dancers, and ululations (zaghrouta).
Key elements
- Music, drums, trumpets, zaghrouta
Reception
Feast and Dancing(Walimah)
An abundant feast with various dishes and lively dancing, often including professional belly dancers.
Key elements
- Various meats, stews, salads, sweets, music, dancing
Sharbat and Cake Cutting
The couple cuts a multi-layered cake and feeds each other, then drinks Sharbat, a traditional sweet fruit and herb drink.
Key elements
- Multi-layered cake, Sharbat (sweet fruit/herb drink)
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