[West
Bank, Palestine] Wow. In Palestine, an engagement is a very big
deal. My friend Wisam got formally engaged today. There were 800,
900, maybe 1,000 people there for the ring ceremony. It was actually
a lot like a wedding back home. First we greeted the families
as we entered the dance hall. Then an Orthodox priest led us through
a religious ceremony. They exchanged rings. I don't think they
kissed though. (Too bad.) Then Wisam brought out a huge sword
and cut the engagement cake. After everyone had cake, the couple
danced a single song together. Then we formed a long line and
said good-bye to the families, including the engaged couple.
A
few hours later we met at the same dance hall for dinner and dancing.
It was fantastic! The couple was dancing almost the entire time.
Wisam and his fiancé stepped onto a round table and the
young men lifted it to their shoulders. Then they walked in circles
and bounced them around. Then they swayed one side down a bit.
And all the while the two were standing balanced on the table.
Then the couple were lifted on chairs and then on shoulders. And
there were so many other dances. Dances in circles around the
couple. Skipping around the room. Line dancing face to face. It
was a happy wild scene. Everyone was having a good time. Congratulations,
Wisam.
Journal : Wisam's
Engagement Party
[West
Bank, Palestine] Wow. In Palestine, an engagement is a very big
deal. My friend Wisam got formally engaged today. There were 800,
900, maybe 1,000 people there for the ring ceremony. It was actually
a lot like a wedding back home. First we greeted the families
as we entered the dance hall. Then an Orthodox priest led us through
a religious ceremony. They exchanged rings. I don't think they
kissed though. (Too bad.) Then Wisam brought out a huge sword
and cut the engagement cake. After everyone had cake, the couple
danced a single song together. Then we formed a long line and
said good-bye to the families, including the engaged couple.
A
few hours later we met at the same dance hall for dinner and dancing.
It was fantastic! The couple was dancing almost the entire time.
Wisam and his fiancé stepped onto a round table and the
young men lifted it to their shoulders. Then they walked in circles
and bounced them around. Then they swayed one side down a bit.
And all the while the two were standing balanced on the table.
Then the couple were lifted on chairs and then on shoulders. And
there were so many other dances. Dances in circles around the
couple. Skipping around the room. Line dancing face to face. It
was a happy wild scene. Everyone was having a good time. Congratulations,
Wisam. 