Marriage in Baha: When tradition meets change

Customs and practices as part of marriage ceremonies have seen a complete transformation in Baha. In the past, brides used to embroider clothes with silver, but with scant make-up or jewelry compared to the modern times. Modern brides wear highly expensive gowns with golden jewelry and sophisticated make-up.
Earlier, the bride would go to women guests and distribute gifts to her relatives and bridegroom’s relatives. Wedding receptions used to take place in parents’ homes or open spaces in villages in the region.
The aged women would receive the bride with ululation (high-pitched tongue trilling common in Arab countries made on occasions of joy) when she is brought to the groom’s house. They will also beat drum to announce the arrival of the bride. Women of the two groups would stand in two lines and play “Al-Laab,” which involves singing of welcome songs from both sides. Traditional musical instruments would also be played in Al-Laab. The number of weddings was also limited those days.
But these days wedding receptions are organized in halls and there is no specific period for it.
In the past, mahr (dowry) was between SR 5,000 and SR 10,000 while now it has gone up to between SR 35,000 and SR 100,000.
Only a few sheep or a cow used to be slaughtered for a wedding dinner, now a large number of sheep or a camel are slaughtered in addition to various dishes of sweet meat, fruits and sambosa.
Group marriages are also conducted these days with the support of the charity societies, the Saudi Press Agency reported yesterday.