Clothing and Accessories
The
types and shapes of clothes and accessories differ from one province to
another and from an environment to another inside the same province.
Because of the cultural and social harmony among the Kingdom’s
provinces, the clothing styles and the accessories designs became
similar to each other in most of the provinces. The markets display
different types of textiles from around the world and large quantities
of clothes. Moreover, the sewing and knitting occupation had flourished
for men and women. The locals became proud of their new and beautiful
clothes.
The Saudi official clothing for men consists of Shimaq or Ghutra
(triangle cloth worn over the head). On top of Ghutra, Igal (doubled
black rope-like cord) is worn in order to hold Ghutra in place. Then, a
full-length, loose garment with long sleeves called Thawb is worn. Thawb
comes in different types and colors. Often, the shoes or sandals are
worn. Bisht (cloak) in its bright colors is worn over the Thawb on
official occasions. As for the women, there is no specific clothes
around the Kingdom. For the women, there are diverse traditional clothes
and they conceal rather than reveal. The Saudi women wear black cloaks
that cover their clothes, reflecting the Saudi woman’s identity.
Although, the men and women clothes are influenced by modernity and
development, they still preserve their ancient Arabian descriptions,
namely in the southern parts of the Saudi Arabia where traditional
clothes are still worn.
The Traditional Cuisines
Some
types of Saudi foods became dominant all over the provinces despite the
different social and economic segments of the Saudi community. There
are various cuisines and beverages, including Al-Kabsah, Al-Qursan,
Al-Mutazees, Al-Mutabbaq, Al-Ma’soub, Al-Mandi, Al-Arikah, Al-Aseedah,
Al-Hanith, and so on.
Most of the cuisines have many nutritional benefits and high calories
that give the body the power to work. Such cuisines are prepared by the
women at home, but the traditional restaurants have spread lately to a
large extent. You can taste any of these cuisines any time. Their
ingredients are brought from the materials available in the local
environment.
The Folklore
The
folklore in Saudi Arabia is based on the theme of unity and groups. It
is comprised of enthusiastic songs and games that express Arab customs
and traditions. Citizens consider folklore as a source of pride that
they inherit from one generation to another.
The Architectural Style
The
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has plenty of buildings that reflect the
distinctive architectural heritage of the country which cannot be found
anywhere else in the world. The buildings shapes and construction
methods differ from one province to the other.
The architectural
heritage in the central region is distinguished for using the local
building materials, namely the mud. The western region is famous for
using the stone in building whereas the eastern region uses the mud,
stone, and gypsum in the building walls and palm tree trunks for the
ceilings.
Customs and Traditions
The
customs and traditions in Saudi Arabia are inspired by the Islamic and
Arab culture, namely the culture of the Arabs in the Arab Peninsula.
However, they differ from one province to another, especially the
dialect, housing pattern, clothing, cuisines, dances, and folk songs.
Being
generous with the guest and helping the poor are the most prominent
traditions of Saudi people since they organize big feasts during
occasions and invite everyone. Also, the Saudi traditions involve pride,
courage, protecting their women, self-esteem, dignity, and others which
were mentioned in the traditional poetry and local tales.
Al-Janadriyah Festival
It
is one of most beautiful festivals held in the Kingdom. It is a
heritage village built near Riyadh to reflect the real picture of the
Kingdom’s heritage. This Festival is organized annually when the weather
is mild within the first months of the Gregorian year. It last for two
weeks and it includes heritage events that revive the heritage through
the traditional buildings, handicraft activities, and the modern
audio-visual technology that is used to display them. Moreover, the
village includes a theater, performance halls, and model buildings that
represent the built heritage of all cities in the Kingdom. The Saudi and
expat visitors and tourists consider this Festival as the best occasion
to recognize the traditional heritage. It is worth noting that the
Festival is accompanied by cultural activities and diverse events held
inside Riyadh city.
Souk Okaz
Souk
Okaz is one of the markets where the Arabs met for trading and
presenting poems and speeches in the past. Today, it is revived at the
same historical location to be a unique poetry, artistic, and
historical meeting. Souk Okaz now combines the ancient history and the
shining present. Here, the visitor will find the modern techniques and
the location’s geography with its historical value. Also, folklore
performances are organized in Souk Okaz. The visitor can reach the venue
by using his own car or by accompanying a tourism group.
The Arabian horse
The
Arabian horse is famous around the world. It is connected with the
history of the Arabian Peninsula. The horse was domesticated before
nearly 9000 years by the Bedouin tribes in Najd plateau. The horse can
adapt quickly to the desert conditions. It has descriptions respected by
the Bedouin, including beauty, patience, intelligence, high speed,
courage during battles, and loyalty. The Arabian horse endurance races
make the spectators view with respect and awe.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz,
says: “Our ancestors see, for many view the Arabian horse is one of the
most valuable treasures”. To fulfill a harmony with the spirit of his
people, the King constantly supports the Kingdom’s pioneer role as being
responsible for this ancient heritage.
Poetry and Poets
Kingdom
is home to Arab poetry and poets since ancient times. From the
Kingdom’s suburbs and deserts, beautiful poetry was given by the most
important poets of the old Arab times. Such poetry takes its place in
the history of literary world. They convey the meaning of wisdom, horse
riding, and pride, in the annals of human knowledge and cited on
Tombstones. The poetry has continued to keep pace with the stages
establishment and unification of the country in the modern times. Also,
poetry assisted in recording the country’s remarkable achievements and
developments. The most famous purpose of Arabic poetry in the Kingdom is
pride, praise and spinning flirtation, and elegy.
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