Culture and Customs
Part 4 in the seven-part series "An Arabian Adventure"
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by Linda Pappas Funsch
Special to The Frederick News-Post
Throughout our 10-day odyssey in Saudi Arabia, the combined forces of history and tradition in the lives of its citizens were apparent everywhere.
Saudis are intensely proud of their nomadic bedouin heritage. This is reflected in their dress, leisure and sporting activities, rules of hospitality and diet. Bedouin and Arab architecture provide the inspiration for Saudi homes, both old and new.
Arab hospitality is legendary. When invited to a Saudi home or office, guests should expect to be served, with considerable ceremony, a litany of beverages, including the traditional cardamom-infused coffee, dates, as well as sweet and savory delicacies.
There are many rituals associated with mealtime, including periodic hand washing and handling of food with the right hand only.
In our own travels, we observed that traditional Arab guidelines mandate that guests be offered more food than could possibly be consumed. As a further gesture of courtesy, hosts normally do not partake of the proffered fare until their visitors have been satisfied. As in other Semitic traditions, pork products are prohibited.
Family is the central social unit of Saudi life. Particular affection is accorded to children, while the elderly are revered and held in great esteem.
Following the Friday prayer service, families will observe the Sabbath together, in homes or in public places, while enjoying a day of rest.
The souk, or bazaar, is the stuff of legend. Meandering through a maze of narrow streets, it is easy to be overcome by different and exotic sights, as well as by the aromas emanating from a varied array of spices, herbs, and incense. It is here, that the act of bargaining approaches a form of high art.
Part 5 of this series: Oil: Driving the engine of modernization.
Copyright ©2006 by Linda Pappas Funsch |
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