One of Ali’s daughters is getting married on Sunday. There are huge preparations going on. Yesterday the girls had their hands and arms hennaed (see below pic of Olivia, Bea and Salama, Bea only had one arm done because it hurt too much). This evening there is a party and there have been make-up artists next door preparing Ali’s eight daughters for the event. It is a women only do, and of course there will be no alcohol. This is my first ever party without men and booze; I am intrigued to see what it will be like.
The lack of men does not stop the girls dressing up though. I was told by an Emirati girl I met last night that they are dressing up for potential mother-in-laws. It is like a beauty parade of potential brides. Even old trouts like me are expected to make an effort; the way you dress is a sign of respect or otherwise to the bride. Here you are supposed to outdo the bride, or at least try to, it’s considered rude not to.
It is not only the women who dress up. Our house is covered in lights, it looks glorious, I will post a picture. And we haven’t even had the wedding. It seems there are three days of festivities culminating on Sunday with a big bash which Rupert will be allowed to come to, but he’ll have to stay in another room so the girls can show off their glamorous clothes to each other. Sunday apparently is an all-glitter event. This evening I am just going for the full-length silk Tommy Hilfiger ball-gown with train….proof if ever was needed that women dress for other women.
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2009
Interesting, I never realised the dressing up was for the benefit of potential mother-in-laws, though it makes perfect sense now I come to think of it. But poor Bea hurting as a result of her henna. Was it the tingling sensation as it dries? Helena, can’t we see your own hands? There are some wonderful henna designers around.
I sat for 2 hours once, just for my arms. A girl I know had to sit for 6 hours for her bridal henna. And then, of course, it has to dry for ever.
I’m excited about this, and I’m not even there. Get pictures of what you can!
“Even old trouts like me are expected to make an effort”
lol:) Helena, you are so obviously not!!