Also referred to as a Zeffa in which a dancer with the candelabra atop her head leads a procession for a bride and groom through the streets to a celebration.

Shemadan Purchase and Practice

Shamadans (candelabrum) are traditionally used in the Egyptian wedding procession, or zeffah. In the centuries before electricity was used, dancers would balance

large, lit-up candelabrum on top of their heads, to illuminate the bride and groom's faces during their first appearance as man and wife.For an imported shamadan,

expect to pay anywhere between $100.00-$300.00, outside of Egypt. There are many different styles, some are extremely intricate, and others are more utilitarian.

Shamadans from Egypt are large and sometimes not altogether stable the arms may move around, but this can be fixed with pliers or by soldering or gluing them.

The crown of the shamadan should have a snug, almost tight fit around your head, resting just above the temples. If your shamadan is too loose, it will wobble on your head.

It is easy to glue sponge rubber or some other type of padding to the inside of the crown to prevent it from slipping around, and this will provide you with a more comfortable

fit, as well.Larger shamadans look very impressive, but slightly smaller ones are more portable, and much easier to work with. Never leave one in your car or trunk- even the

slightest heat in a short amount of time will melt the candles! When traveling with a shamadan by car, lay it on it's side or strap it in with a seat belt. The crystals or beads and

coins decorating some shamadans can be repaired if the chains break with a jewelry pliers or even a tweezers. After every use, clean out the candle's drip-cups, (use a butterknife

and pry the dried wax out) or the wax will build up and be more prone to spill onto your hair. Some of the candleholders may be loose- wrap your candles with tinfoil for a snug fit.

Longer candles are also heavier, short emergency candles look good and are lighter on your head, they're also cheaper than dinner candles-remember, you're going to have to use

at least nine, maybe twelve candles. Even if a candle is "dripless, there's no such thing when it's on your head! When dancing at a wedding or on a stage, avoid a

ir-conditioning vents as it will blow the hot wax onto you! Also be careful of ceiling and doorway clearance, and of course, be very careful of draperies! Also- makes sure

to thoroughly check with your venue concerning fire/insurance laws. Many places do not allow open flames. In this case, you can purchase battery-operated candles

(from a craft shop or florist supply store) but note that these candles will be much heavier and more difficult to balance.As far as costuming goes, if you aren't used to

wearing a shamadan, don't pick a costume where the wax drips will show or ruin it. Many beledy dresses made in Egypt are made of netting, which is easy to pick the dried

melted way from. - Of course, these are best if you don't want to stain your costume. When using real candles, don't light up until just before you're about

to dance because of the wax-drip factor. If you're not doing a zeffah (Egyptian bridal procession), pick a slower song or a taxim, because dancing quickly with a shamadan

negates its stately beauty. (info courtesy of Princess Farhana)