The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE MARRIAGE CELEBRATION IN PAKISTAN AMONG THE MOSLEMS IS
VERY DIFFERENT THAN IN THE U.S. THE COUPLE MAY NEVER HAVE
MET BEFORE. THE CEREMONY IS HELD AT THE BRIDE'S FAMILY
HOME. THE WHOLE FAMILY PREPARES THE HOUSE FOR ALL THE
GUESTS. WHEN THE CEREMONY OCCURS THE BRIDE IS IN ONE ROOM
WITH HER PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND THE GROOM IS IN
ANOTHER ROOM WITH HIS PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ALSO A
PRIEST IS THERE. THERE ARE NO BRIDESMAIDS OR OTHER
ATTENDANTS. THERE IS AN EXCHANGE OF RINGS BUT THERE IS
NOTHING SIGNIFICANT ABOUT EXCHANGING THEM. THE PRIEST JUST
TAKES THE BRIDE'S RING TO HER IN THE OTHER ROOM, AND GIVES
THE GROOM HIS RING. THE WHOLE PROCESS TAKES A FEW HOURS.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAYS IT IS VERY STRANGE COMPARED TO A U.S.
WEDDING. HE SAYS MANY TIMES IT IS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE
FOR BOTH THE BRIDE AND GROOM, BUT MOSTLY FOR THE BRIDE
BECAUSE SHE HAS NEVER HAD ANY SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL OR INTIMATE
CONTACT WITH A MAN BEFORE.

Where learned: LAHORE ; PAKISTAN

Keyword(s): CEREMONY

Date learned: 11-00-1987