Minutes before the ceremony begins, the crowd of guests who have been greeting each other and the families of the bride and groom, become quiet as the band begins to play. Everyone knows that the playing of the music signals the entrance of the bride, groom and their families. An announcement or introduction is made with each entrance. The groom dressed in a tuxedo or formal suit enters with his father. The bride, dressed in a white bridalgown, enters with her father. Ultimately, an announcement of the couples marriage is made, some verses from the Quran are read, and the bride, groom, and their families are then approached by the majority of guests wishing them prosperity and happiness. Then comes the first dance of the bride and groom who eventually are joined by their families who, following the old Arab tradition, follow them in dancing and singing their happiness for the couple. After a song or two, dinner is served. Following dinner, more songs and more dancing.
No Palestinian wedding is complete without many opportunities to dance "el debka." This group dance which is somewhat like that of the Greeks but faster in rhythm, involves everyone joining hands and moving to the strong beat of the Arabic drum called "al tabla." The celebrations go on late into the night. Before the evening is over, the bride throws the bouquet to all the single women, another Western tradition, and American music is also sometimes played. Although the wedding cake is usually baked at an American bakery, one tradition that has remained in terms of the sweets is the offering of jordan almonds; a candy covered almond. Jordan almonds as wedding/party favor are, I am told, a long standing tradition. Thus, the mixing of Palestinian and American traditions make ceremonies like these not truly Palestinian, but uniquely Palestinian-American.
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