Syria is a culturally gifted country and has a traditional society. Strong moral and ethical values are placed on family, religion, education and self discipline and respect. Syrians place a high degree on tradition and present themselves well both at home and abroad. It is normal to find Syrian families all over the world who still live there lives as if they were in the Old Country.
Syria is a living folklore. The Syrian's taste for the traditional arts continues undiminished. It is expressed in dances such as the famous al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance, to name but a few. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.
Traditional Houses of the Old Cities in Damascus, Aleppo and the other Syrian cities are preserved and traditionally the living quarters are arranged around one or more courtyards, typically with a fountain in the middle supplied by spring water, and decorated with citrus trees, grape vines, and flowers arranged for the comfort of the family and entertaining guests. The aura and ambiance of this atmosphere is quite breathtaking and relaxing.
Syrians always welcome guests, friends and strangers into there homes. They do everything possible to make there guest feel right at home. The host is only pleased when they see their guests pleased. They will offer food and drinks and even the wall painting if you stare at it long enough. And they do not accept no as an answer, to them it is an insult.
Some Syrian Customs revolve around there crafts. Traditional crafts are still made the way they were thousands of years ago. The skills of Embroidery, Ceramics, Pottery, Jewelry and Basketry are all passed down from generation to generation. These traditions exemplify Syrian values.
Embroidery - This is one of the most important traditional crafts of Syrian women and one which has, in recent years, been incorporated into high fashion. Elegant gowns and jackets have been created using traditional needlework together with rich, Middle Eastern fabrics.
This art of embroidery has been carried over into the making of cushions, which grace the decor of many Syrian homes. Colors range from shades of red, maroon, purple and pink, with bright additions of green, orange and gold. Simple cross-stitch is the basis for a plethora of complicated designs and recurring motifs include trees, flowers, feathers, waves and geometric zig-zags or triangles.
Ceramics & Pottery - Syria has many natural clay deposits, which have been used for many centuries in the making of pottery. Early examples of pottery consisted of vessels for food storage, which had been sun-cured and baked in a pit fired with straw and dung. Large coil-and-slab pots, known as jarra, were originally used to store water or olive oil.
Jewelry - Jewelry has a long history in Syria. Stores of gold and silver jewelry dating from Roman times have been unearthed on various archaeological sites. Today, gold and silver jewelry is worn by all strata of society. The jewelry includes bracelets, chokers, rings, hair ornaments, long chains and rows of coins attached to necklaces or headdresses.
Syria is a living folklore. The Syrian's taste for the traditional arts continues undiminished. It is expressed in dances such as the famous al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance, to name but a few. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.
Traditional Houses of the Old Cities in Damascus, Aleppo and the other Syrian cities are preserved and traditionally the living quarters are arranged around one or more courtyards, typically with a fountain in the middle supplied by spring water, and decorated with citrus trees, grape vines, and flowers arranged for the comfort of the family and entertaining guests. The aura and ambiance of this atmosphere is quite breathtaking and relaxing.
Syrians always welcome guests, friends and strangers into there homes. They do everything possible to make there guest feel right at home. The host is only pleased when they see their guests pleased. They will offer food and drinks and even the wall painting if you stare at it long enough. And they do not accept no as an answer, to them it is an insult.
Some Syrian Customs revolve around there crafts. Traditional crafts are still made the way they were thousands of years ago. The skills of Embroidery, Ceramics, Pottery, Jewelry and Basketry are all passed down from generation to generation. These traditions exemplify Syrian values.
Embroidery - This is one of the most important traditional crafts of Syrian women and one which has, in recent years, been incorporated into high fashion. Elegant gowns and jackets have been created using traditional needlework together with rich, Middle Eastern fabrics.
This art of embroidery has been carried over into the making of cushions, which grace the decor of many Syrian homes. Colors range from shades of red, maroon, purple and pink, with bright additions of green, orange and gold. Simple cross-stitch is the basis for a plethora of complicated designs and recurring motifs include trees, flowers, feathers, waves and geometric zig-zags or triangles.
Ceramics & Pottery - Syria has many natural clay deposits, which have been used for many centuries in the making of pottery. Early examples of pottery consisted of vessels for food storage, which had been sun-cured and baked in a pit fired with straw and dung. Large coil-and-slab pots, known as jarra, were originally used to store water or olive oil.
Jewelry - Jewelry has a long history in Syria. Stores of gold and silver jewelry dating from Roman times have been unearthed on various archaeological sites. Today, gold and silver jewelry is worn by all strata of society. The jewelry includes bracelets, chokers, rings, hair ornaments, long chains and rows of coins attached to necklaces or headdresses.
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