Anointing in Red and Gold: Update
Our Heritage Our Sudan Jirtig Video
Above, lacy henna motifs adorn the hand of a Sudanese bride in her Jirtig finery. Title photograph, a Sudanese bride in her garmasis of red and gold, Yassir HamDi Photography, CC, Wikipedia.
Anointing in Red and Gold: Update
In 2019 I wrote an illustrated introduction to the compelling symbolism and drama of the Sudanese Jirtig wedding ceremony. In Anointing in Robes of Red and Gold I outline theories on the long history and origins of this uniquely Sudanese custom. I also include detailed accounts of each delicate and sensual element of Jirtig rituals and dress, drawing on both Sudanese and colonial sources. Other forms of Jirtig celebrations, such as those upon circumcision are also touched on.
You can read this post here: Anointing in Robes of Red and Gold.
Above, Jirtig paraphernalia on display at Ethnographic Museum Khartoum, pre-war.
See too Sudan’s Cultural Treasures Looted 1 .
Above, Advertisement for special Jirtig biscuits, in the shape of perfume huqqs and wedding rosaries and right, wedding invitations. Poet and writer, Enas Suleiman’s warm evocations of Sudanese life, its customs and rituals are joyful affirmations of a culture’s resilience. Below, her poem Jirtig.
Read more of Enas’s verse in Prayers from Mouths of Mothers
Our Heritage Our Sudan Jirtig Video
Our Heritage Our Sudan has recently released a visually stunning short documentary (9 minutes) on the Jirtig, capturing the magic and elegance of the ceremony. I will be providing a brief commentary in English of the key points of the film shortly. If you don’t speak Arabic I guarantee you will still enjoy this rich visual feast.
Watch the video here:
Below, the bridegroom fastening a wedding bracelet on his bride’s wrist. Yassir HamDi, CC, Wikipedia.
Women's literacy in Sudan 