Assyrian Wedding, Chicago, IL, 1992
Item Description
Non-stop line dances, sherkani and belati, snake around the room, many guests wearing traditional dress of northern Iraq. The women in velvet robes with gold embroidery, gold necklaces and belts. The men wear colorful stoles with a bright feather in their caps.
Katrina Thomas's notes: Those who call themselves Assyrians claim descent from the ancient Assyrian empire, emigrating from any one of Middle Eastern states. They belong generally to the Church of the East or the Church of Antioch. I photographed two weddings and snapped one picture at the nuptial rite of a third. Nuptials are conducted in Aramaic, the first two in Chicago at St. George's Church; the other in Turlock, CA at Mar Addai Church of the East. The couple stand briefly under metal crowns with a twisted cord, symbol of the crowning, which is taken home. Before putting on their rings, the priest blesses them in a goblet of wine and water. At huge receptions, hundreds of richly dressed guests, some in traditional velvet, greet the newlyweds with clapping, dancing, and singing while waving scarves and canes.
Photographer's categories: Feast and reception , Dancing , Folk dance , Traditional apparel