Traditional weddings in Jabal al-Arab are famous for their ululations (zaghareed), most of which are directed at the bride to describe her both physically and morally.
Physically, the “zalghoota” describes the bride by depicting her stature, eyes, hair, neck, and other traits.
Morally, the “zalghoota” celebrates the bride's commendable character, noble upbringing, and honorable lineage.
Ululations are also dedicated to the groom, praising him much like the bride with commendable traits: charming, brave, tactful, agile, self-confident, generous, of high lineage, and more.
Here are several traditional wedding ululations from Jabal al-Arab:
- Aweeha, O my bride, your seated presence is like a master builder’s poise,
Aweeha, and the kohl in your eyes clapped and sang for joy,
Aweeha, didn't I tell you, O smiling groom,
Aweeha, you have raised your station to rejoice among the beautiful.
=== === === === ===
- Aweeha, today in our town the joyful voices resounded,
Aweeha, so-and-so and so-and-so were crowned together,
Aweeha, the hearts of loved ones are filled with joy for them,
Aweeha, while the hearts of envious foes were scorched with grief.
=== === === === ===
- Aweeha, O gathering of people, all of you together,
Aweeha, say in a single voice: may God grant harmony,
Aweeha, today the groom and bride are crowned,
Aweeha, and their union is the finest medicine for love.
=== === === === ===
- Aweeha, our groom is a lion who gathers every noble trait,
Aweeha, and our bride is lovely, and grace becomes her so,
Aweeha, every glance from our groom and bride,
Aweeha, has become the finest cure for the ailing soul.
=== === === === ===
- Aweeha, our groom and bride are like a pair of gazelles,
Aweeha, roaming through the valleys in good fortune and joy,
Aweeha, on their wedding day, celebration spread everywhere,
Aweeha, and the sound of wedding chants reached Persia and Khorasan.
=== === === === ===
▪️Aweeha, our bride's face is round like the moon made full,
Aweeha, and her rosy cheeks are glowing red with life,
Aweeha, O vessel of musk made for elegance and fragrant scent,
Aweeha, how blessed is your heart, O our groom, filled with joy and free of sorrow.
