Badawi Celebratory Traditions

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BADAWI

Celebratory Traditions

 

[A Badawi tent made ready for a wedding feast]

 

“Not one moment had passed since the sun’s setting, but we had heard the beating of drums in every direction, it seemed to be getting louder and louder by the moment as men, women, and children began making their way to the only tent that was left alight.”

 

Despite their stern, and perhaps even harsh way of life, the Badawi are a jovial people, often basking in festivals and celebrations that last all through the night and well into the day, as such, a number of customs had developed surrounding them, traditions borne out of their faith, way of life and the harsh deserts they hold close to their hearts.

 

Weddings

Marriage, amongst the Badawi, is considered the most essential building block of all peoples, it is the bringing of two together, the idea of marriage and its associated traditions are held in extremely high regard, because of this, weddings are occasions of great festivities and joy.

 

Timing

Owing  to the blistering heat of the desert sun, the Badawi would  begin their wedding celebrations in the late afternoon, just as the sun begins to set, as per tradition, most of the lanterns and other sources of light left hanging from the multitude of tents would immediately be put out, only those belonging to three places, the Masjid, the newly wed’s tent, and the  tent that would hold the feasts and festivals would be left alight.

 

Vows & Union

Before the celebrations begin, the couple and their guests all gather within the Masjid to witness the bride and groom give their vows and sign a marriage contract(this is not mandatory, however it is highly recommended).

 

Setting

It is customary that the entire tribe is welcome to attend the wedding, however this may be limited at the discretion of the bride and groom, the guests are led to a large tent that had been prepared prior to host the celebrations, with seating arrangements along the sides, a carpeted floor in the center set for the traditional dance, a line of padded seating for the newlyweds/close relations and finally a small podium where poetry and speeches may be given.

 

Reception

As the guests are led into the tent, they are directed to the Groom and Bride, where they would congratulate the new couple(they may also present gifts if they had brought), they are then directed to the seating arrangements where they will be served dates, tea and Qahwa, they may also help themselves to tables laden with exotic foods and drinks made for the occasion.

 

Poetry Reading

Soon after the guests have given their well-wishes, eaten their fill and concluded their conversations, the Poets and musicians present would be invited up to the podium to grace the guests with their skills, their works would often be in praise of the newlyweds and their union, although not always.

 

Traditional Dances

With the reception and poetry reading completed, the musicians begin to play their tunes and all those who wish to dance come together in a line atop the carpeted flooring, the men lift their swords, waving them to the rhythm of the music in unison whilst alternating steps back and forth, giving the impression of soldiers celebrating victory over their enemies.

 

Aftermath

After the celebrations come to a close, the one who is of closest relation to the groom would lead a camel towards the gathering, the groom would then take the reigns and help the bride onto her new mount, he would then lead it towards their tent where they would be alone for the night, as this occurs, the relations of the groom(or those of his choosing)will take up sharpened spears and cover their faces with black turbans, patrolling the area around the newlywed’s tent till the night’s end, a tradition born of necessity, that has now found itself being a cherished custom.

 

Al-Awdah

In that past, the first of the Badawi had lived in even harsher conditions than what their descendants now find themselves in, to the point they would only see rain every fourth year(or 1st year of the Qali Calendar), as the rains began to pour it would last for up to three days , filling the Wadis and creating new Oases all across the deserts, these days would be marked with continuous prayer, celebration and joy.

 

Timing

At the beginning of every fourth year, the tribesmen would exit their homes in unison, all raising the palms to the sky and praying to their lord to maintain their honor and grant them a place in heavan, once this has been concluded, the Sheikh(or in the case of the larger tribes, the Sheikhs would alternate)would host celebrations lasting at least three days.

 

Activities

As the tribesmen gather around their centers, chanting in praise to their Lord and their gratitude for the return of the rains, certain activities would be seen:

1.Horse races would be organized around the camp, with the riders first consuming three bowls of camel milk.

2.Warriors would stand outside their tents, boasting of their achievements and lineages whilst challenging others.

3.Traders would engage in excessive charity, as a sign of gratitude for their prosperity in the years past.

4.Scholars would share their work with their kin, many even awaiting this very day to complete their study.

5.Children would be given presents to mark their passing another Eid and would engage in games of all sorts.

 

Azzah

Death, among the Badawi, is a time of prayer, community and charity, as it is believed that only prayers and charity would be of benefit to the diseased and community would offer comfort and security to the bereaved.

 

Reception

After the passing and burial of an individual, for up to three days their tent(except the private living areas)would be left open for those who would come to offer their condolences and well-wishes, other tribesmen would be heavily encouraged to visit, give their well-wishes and either bring flowers or offer food.

 

Prayers

After entering the tent, those who’ve come to visit and offer comfort would make their way to the close relations of the deceased, offering their condolences and praying for their family’s success in both this life and the one to come, they would then offer the widow/daughters flowers and promptly leave to go about their business.