The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHALDEAN WEDDING

BEFORE ANY DATING TAKES PLACE IN A CHALDEAN CULTURE, THE MAN AND
WOMAN MEET ONLY AT WEDDINGS AND AT THE CALDEAN CULTURAL CLUB TO SEE
EACH OTHER. WHEN THEY WANT TO DATE, THE FAMILIES MEET AND THEY GET
ENGAGED AND THEN THEY ARE FINALLY ALLOWED TO DATE. WHEN THEY HAVE
THE ENGAGEMENT THE PRIEST IS PRESENT AT THE BIG ENGAGEMENT PARTY.
FOR THE WEDDING THE GROOM'S FAMILY CANNOT COME TO THE BRIDE'S HOME
BEFORE THE WEDDING AND IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE HOUSE UNTIL A RANSOM IS
PAID TO THE CHILDREN. USUALLY AROUND TWENTY DOLLARS. THE GROOM ALSO
PAY A DOWRY TO THE BRIDE'S PARENTS; IT RUNS AROUND 10,000 AND UP
AND IT IS PAID IN GOLD. IN ASSYRIA THE PRIEST IS HIT WITH KNITTING
NEEDLES AT THE BRIDE'S, ALL IN FUN OF COURSE. AT THE RECEPTION THE
BRIDE AND GROOM RECEIVE MONEY PINNED TO THE BRIDE'S DRESS. THIS IS
SO THEY WILL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY OFF THE BIG WEDDING EXPENSES
THEY HAVE INCURRED. THE NEWLYWEDS RECEIVE GIFTS FROM PEOPLE WHEN
THEY ARE INVITED TO THEIR HOME AFTER THE WEDDING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-15-1987 ; 10-24-1987