An Izmekneh Engagement Party

  Ramallah, Palestinian Territory
Saturday, April 21, 2007

An Izmekneh Engagement Party
 
It was Thursday night and I was off with the Izmekneh family to a Muslim engagement party for their cousin.  I was supposed to go to an engagement party for Hussain's brother last Friday but I was ill and didn't make it.  So I was waiting at 4:30 pm in front of the Boys School gate (about the worse time of the day concerning traffic) and there was Mohammed, the oldest brother, beckoning to me to come from down the street.  Maysa had parked the car on a side street and when we arrived, we were off!
 
Cars waited in line alongside the main road out of Ramallah toward Beit Zeit as the groom's family assembled.  Hussain jumped into the driver's seat and we were off to the party.  When we arrived, the women went to the main floor and the men went to the lower floor.  

 

Soon the dancing started!  Celebration was in the air as women, young and old, joined in.  



Soon Asma, Maysa and Susu persuaded me that I should join in.  I figured I would only be making a fool of myself among women, so what the heck.  Winded, I sat for a while and then an older woman pulled me into the circle.  This pattern went on for awhile - asthma doesn't help with the breath needed to keep up! 



The older women were putting me to shame!
 
The time came for the engaged couple to make their appearance. The entrance was formal into the previous women's only area.



The next dance centered on the couple.  Then the men joined with the women to dance.  What fun!  


 
Soon the groom-to-be was lifted upon his father's shoulders and the dancing continued with more young men being lifted high.  Whew!  It was something to watch!  The strength and energy of these men to celebrate their joy!
 


The dancing continued and in between when I danced, I held some young girls and even danced with one!
 


As the time began winding down, Hussain's family gathered toward the back and I danced with Imadaldeen, Maysa's brother, as well as several of the other men in the family.  We all laughed a lot and had much fun!  
 


And today I'm not even sore so I guess I am building up my stamina also!

What an honor to be included in this family celebration!  Shukran!