Zaghrata (ululation) Ardah Zaghrata is making a high pitched, wavering sound, by moving the tongue rapidly from side to side. This is originally an ancient Egyptian tradition that became a sign of celebration around the Arab world. The ululation takes place after the bride’s arrival in traditional Najdi weddings.
Now: Ululation is still
popular in modern Najdi weddings, as well as weddings all around the Arab world.
Some Najdi weddings also included the ardah, a traditional Saudi dance. Men formed a line and danced to the beat of dafs singing Samri (sung poetry). The dancers carried swords or rifles during the ardah, as it was originally performed before going to war.
Now: Ardah is still sometimes performed in the men’s wedding party. In the women’s party, they celebrate by dancing together to khaleeji live music. Fattasha
The groom gave the bride’s mother a gift called fattasha. The name is derived from fatash, meaning unveiled, because the mother can now unveil to the groom. It was also sometimes given to the bride’s grandmother.
Now: While a groom might still give a gift to the mother and grandmother of the bride, it is no longer a custom and its not called a fattasha anymore.
DESTINATION RIYADH 27