Graduation – Little and Big

Working and playing with English language learners this past year has made me a better listener, concept thinker and most certainly improved my clarifying skills. I have also found some common words which Arab people consistently use. Big means older, little means younger.

Given the entertainment is limited here in Saudi Arabia and there is no mixing of genders (even extended families), parties and shopping are the preferred leisure activities. The summer months for women mean party time. Starting at the end of May and running until after Eid at the end of August, there will be ongoing gatherings (women only), dancing (women only) and many tasty dishes to consume. I had the privilege to attend three private parties in June; one ‘big’ graduation, one ‘little’ graduation and one private family and friends gathering. I probably should include our own AGS Graduation here too.

ASG Kindergarten Graduation party

Merfit’s daughter graduated from high school and Majoleen graduated from Kindergarten! Both functions were filled with fun times and opportunities for me to appreciate and learn more about the Arab culture and in particular, the ways of Saudi women. I had never witnessed ‘dressed and done up’ until I was surrounded by hundreds of Arab women. With their makeup and hair professional sculpted and their designer gowns flowing, one could easily call both functions classy events!

It is common that whomever the party is for, there are door sized portraits, (yes more than one), which honour the bride or graduate. There are several life sized photos at the entrance to the ballroom and at least two more on the stage where the princess stands or sits. The entrance to the party has snacks, gum, mints, cascading flower arrangements, cookies and usually a guest book.

pretty little Majoleen in her first dress of the evening, surrounded by dolls, delicate eats and special portrait

The family who is hosting the party (mother, sisters, and grandmothers) sit just inside the entrance and greet you with several kisses (one on one cheek, three on the other), while simultaneously chatting and giving hugs.

The ballroom itself is beautifully decorated. Chairs are covered with colour co-ordinated pretty chiffon bows, chandeliers glisten, tables are stocked with more food (layers of savoury and sweet, carafes of Arabic coffee and regular black tea), and creative table centerpieces. There are different dainty glass cups to drink Arabic coffee from and mini glass tea cups and saucers for the tea.



present petite princesses (three lovelies from AGS KG3)



The evening party doesn’t really start until midnight or one. It is common for women to sleep in the early evening, get up at midnight and then go the party! Hallas, for those that come earlier, there is plenty of entertainment. The party usually has live singers, (not a band but a male DJ who plays the sound track, in a different room of course), ongoing snacks, gifts, dancing and plenty of laughs. Of course the buffet ends the evening and is offered at about 3:00 a.m.!  It is served in a separate room. Who needs food at that time of night, especially after all the eating - all night long?



One of two graduation cakes at Merfit's daughter's party. Although edible, no one eats it, just pretty to look at.



The actual ‘entrance or honouring the distinguished guest’ is quite an interesting and lengthy affair. Along with filming live and displaying it on the big screen, rose petals are thrown, and drumming persists along with the ear piercing high shrill the women make.

At the little graduation, Majoleen’s father and big brothers (4) came to honour her. This of course meant all the gowns and hair dos were covered prior to their entrance. Once the family made their way to the stage, it appears it is proper protocol for dad to kiss Grandma first, and then kiss the oldest son to youngest son. Majoleen and finally mom finished dad’s kissing greeting. Following dad, older brother did the same, followed by his younger brother and so on. Mom finished the family greeting. Given the Arab greeting requires at least three kisses, this took a long time.

After the family’s public display of affection, Majoleen cut her 4 tiered Graduation cake. She then fed each member of her family one bite each. Same order, beginning with dad and finishing with mom!

Finally, the family did a public dance on the walkway and stage. I could tell the brothers weren’t entirely comfortable with dancing on an elevated platform in front of so many women. Can’t say I would be comfortable either! Guests clapped and cheered through the entire festivities.

The parties I have attended are so much fun; however, one hour of sleep prior to work makes focusing on work challenging! Regardless, I felt very privileged to attend both big and small graduation parties. Aside from that, I have never been able to resist dressing up and enjoying a party!