I Have a Dream

Birth

Giving birth is a time of joy that is shared by the whole family and friends of all ages. In Saudi Arabia birth reflects religious, cultural, and social traditions. The people are very religious and they see birth as an act of god. After the birth the mother receives gifts from family and friends. To celebrate a sheep is butchered two if it's a boy and one if it's a girl. The meat is distributed to the needy to thank god for the gift he has given them. On the seventh day the baby is named and circumcised if a boy. On the next day the Merciful is taken place which is a special rite for children where the family lights candles and they go through the house singing a special song asking for the well being of the child and to bless the family.

Marriage

In both Islam and cultural tradition, the union of man and wife is basic to complete fulfillment in the lives of the individuals. The husband provides for the material welfare and security of the family outside the home, and the wife provides nurturing for the children and manages the house. Polygamy is allowed, but the man is limited to four wives and must treat them all equally they do that because the Qur'an says it. The bridegroom must give a dowry to the bride. The taqdim is the proposal the man's senior female elder, informs the woman's mother of his intentions. Then the families decide whether there's a marriage or not. The bride also gives assent of her own free will and she can change her mind. After she agrees to the marriage she is formally allowed to unveil in the presence of her future husband. The two families than sign the milka, which is a marriage contract that is negotiated by the father and the groom, it's executed by an Islamic official. Shabka is a party host by the bride's family where the bridegroom presents the dowry and an engagement ring to the bride along with the other gifts of jewelry. Makhtubi is the meeting where they set the date for the wedding. Three days before the wedding the bride is exclusively prepared with all sorts of traditional oils and perfumes from head to toe. Her body is cleaned with conditioning oils and henna designs are exclusively drawn on her hands the night before wedding. Silk materials and other necessary items having being presented to her by the groom. Her sisters and other relatives enjoy sing songs and celebrate in a lavish way. The dress can be white or it can be a variety of colors depending of the family or region. They do a big party to celebrate.

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