In Arabic culture, what does it mean to receive a man' s ring?

[Maine Mary]

Does anyone know?

I visited Israel w/several other legislators. We spent 9 days with Israeli officials and 8 with Palestinian. Both kept us very busy but w/the Palestinians we once visited what used to be a jail. It was horrible... the Palestinians showed us how they used to be shackeled too high to sit, but too low to stand.

I was taking this all in when I realized I had a follower. Our entire group went into what is now a child's basketball court. A young woman (about my age) came over and sat with us on the bleachers. She wouldn't leave my side (not that I minded-her English was perfect) She asked me if I was married or if my father had promised me to anyone. I said no. That's when she told me Said (the guy who had been following me) wanted me as his wife! The young woman (mercifully) was acting as my chaperone.

I wasn't privy to alot to alot of what they said but before I left but Said ran up to me and tried to give me a Ring. I kept givinging it back to him and he'd give- almost throw it to me. At that time, "my chaperone" showed up and said some sharp words in Arabic to my "man", "betrothed" and off we went. I still have his ring.

[radwriter0555]

1. Hey, you're ENGAGED!

oooo what's the ring look like? Gold? Any stones?

[Maine Mary]

4. NOOOOO!

:spank:

[Heidi]

2. Congratulations!

:toast:

[southlandshari]

3. Since you are back here in the states...

I don't think anyone seriously considers you engaged. I don't doubt Said had a thing for you, but I doubt he was proposing, either.

Sounds like a very interesting trip!

:hi:

[In_The_Wind]

5. So, when is the wedding ...

Will he be relocating to Maine?

[Maine Mary]

6. LOL

Now THAT would be a bit strange, I wonder what my SO of 15 years would think of that? Om My

[In_The_Wind]

7. *giggle*

I would venture a guess that it would go over like a lead balloon with any SO.

[radwriter0555]

8. I wonder how many camels you cost that guy, hmmm? Or were you bartered

in goats?

[southlandshari]

9. For what it's worth....

Palestinians actually do live in the 21st century with the rest of us!

;)

[Maine Mary]

10. That is very true

And many are devout Christians as well.

[radwriter0555]

11. Hey, in Uhmurrikuh you have to wear white to symbolize your virginity and

a male person has to "give you away" as if you are property! Not any more or any less traditional or modern than any other nation really... the tradition of dowry is right in line with the christian marriage traditions.

It's all in good fun! I hope the ring is pretty, I've seen some fantastic jewelry from the middle east and asia, I love the older stuff myself. The quality of the metals and the stones is so different in the antique pieces.