By Amna Al-Shemmeri
KUWAIT, May 26 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti people are so proud of their traditions, which were linked to unique rituals practiced during joyful or sad occasions.
The Kuwaitis did not miss any occasion - social or religious - to celebrate it with special flavor, thus making every person happy.
Marriages take place in four stages. They start with a proposal, and then the family of the man sends the dowry. The third stage would be the actual wedding celebration and then the final stage would be the next morning.
Relatives and neighbors gather during preparations for marriages. They bring carpets, decorations, food in addition to paying for the band.
One of the occasions was celebrating the return of pearl divers, who spent months at sea. The divers' families gathered at the shore to welcome their fathers or brothers, chanting welcoming songs.
Funerals, on the other hand, were simple. The deceased was washed, covered with the shroud and buried in line with the Islamic Sharia.
Religious occasions have their share as well. Kuwaitis commemorated the birth of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), the prophet's night journey to Al-Quds and ascension to sky and the beginning of Hijra year.
During these occasions, Kuwaitis recite holy Quran and offer clothes and money for the poor.
Eid Al-Fitr, which falls immediately after holy month of Ramadhan, and Eid Al-Adha, which falls during the Hajj season, are celebrated by the people of Kuwait. During these occasions, the locals make popular sweets and prepare new clothes.
Kuwaitis also celebrate advent of Ramadhan by holding a feast in the final day of Shaa'ban, in the Hijra calendar. Women and children used to go to sea to spend a day swimming and having good times.
The people of Kuwait are attached to their traditions and love to practice them because they remind them of the good old days and how simplicity was the source of happiness. (end) as.bs