Inside a Palestinian Wedding: Traditions Explained
Palestinian weddings in the US are famous for two things: how many people show up and how long everyone dances. Whether it is in Paterson, Chicago or California, the celebrations carry traditions that go back generations.
Henna night comes first
The night before the wedding is the henna night, or laylat al-henna. Female relatives and friends gather around the bride, sing folk songs and apply henna to her hands. It is part party, part blessing, and often one of the most emotional nights of the whole wedding.
The dress
Traditional Palestinian dresses, called thobes, are covered in tatreez embroidery. The patterns and colors once told you which village a woman came from. Many Palestinian American brides now wear a white gown for the ceremony and a thobe for the henna night, a way of honoring both sides of their identity.
Zaffe and dabke
The zaffe is the grand entrance: drummers, singers and relatives lead the couple into the hall with clapping and cheering. Then comes dabke, the line dance where guests link arms and stomp in rhythm. Listen for zaghareet, the joyful ululation older women lead at big moments.
Family at the center
Food, sweets and Arabic coffee flow all night. For many Palestinian American families, a wedding is a reunion, bringing together relatives from across the country and the world.
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FAQ
+What happens at a Palestinian wedding?
Most include a henna night for the bride, a zaffe procession, dabke dancing, a big shared meal and plenty of music.
+What is laylat al-henna?
It is the henna night before the wedding, when women gather around the bride, sing and decorate her hands with henna.
+What is dabke?
Dabke is a Levantine line dance in which dancers link arms and stomp in rhythm. It is a highlight of Palestinian weddings.
+What should I wear to a Palestinian wedding?
Guests usually dress up formally. If there is a henna night, some women wear embroidered dresses; ask the family if you are unsure.
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