Islamic Wedding Traditions (Part 2)

Wedding Attire

This varies throughout the various geographical areas of the Muslim world.

In South Asia, covering the head during a wedding is a mark of respect. The bride wears a ghunghat, which is equivalent to the veil of the Christian bride. It may vary in length, covering not only the head but the shoulders, back and almost down to the waistline.

The draping may be done is several ways. The chunri (scarf or wrap), worn with a ghagra choli (long skirt & blouse), is tucked in at the waist on one end, pleated beautifully around the body and draped delicately over one shoulder. An odhni (long scarf) is usually made of silk with a tie dye pattern. The center of the veil is used as a head covering the ends taken carefully under the arms and tucked inside the neck of the abho or chorio (the upper garment).

The groom may sport a safa with its flowing tail-end. Others may wear a nattily wound pagdi (turban), or a topi (helmet). White flowers can be tied in suspended strings over the forehead, called sehra.

In northern, central and western India, a golden kalgi (jeweled ornament) studded with precious stones is tied over the right side of the groom's safa. Sandalwood is applied in the center of the forehead and further decorated with gold, red and white dots. This decoration may also be done over the eyebrows.

The groom may wear a white silk brocade suit, sword and turban as his wedding outfit.

Source (for both articles) www.revertmuslims.com