Jordanian (Arab-Christian) Wedding, Yonkers, NY, 1989

During their first dance, Nazar, who is Arab from Jordan, and Dianna, who is Hispanic, dance together, entwined by family members with attached dollar bills wishing them wealth and happiness. It is believed that this action averts an envious evil eye.

Katrina Thomas's notes: I photograph two weddings in a large affluent Jordanian Arab community established in Yonkers, NY, the nuptial rites taking place in the Syriac Orthodox Church. The celebrations begin on an evening before the wedding with a shower for the bridegroom in his family home, for which he is prepared by not shaving for seven days. He is soaped and showered by his friends, while women ululate and sing outside the door. When dressed he is carried to the assembled guests, seated in a chair, his face lathered and shaved by men and women who take turns swiping at his chin. On the wedding day, at the bride's house, the bridegroom's father, bringing money in envelopes, formally asks her father for her hand in marriage. After the Antiochean nuptial rite conducted in Arabic and English, a lavish reception begins with the two families welcoming the couple by winding around them streamers of attached dollar bills. Food is plentiful and continuous music is provided by two bands. A Middle Eastern band plays for folk dancing of the Levant, known in Arabic as debke, stomping the feet. An American band plays for rock 'n' roll.