Lebanon

Traditions and customs of Lebanon

What traditions and customs are there in Lebanon?

With this article we will understand the customs and traditions of Lebanon.

Gastronomy

Food in daily life

Lebanese cuisine is Mediterranean. Pita bread is a staple food. Lebanese enjoy hummus (a chickpea dip), fool (a broad bean dip), and other bean dishes. Rice is almost a staple food and pasta is very popular.

Salty yogurt is common in many dishes. Red meat and chicken are common, but are usually eaten as part of a dish. Pork is less popular as it is prohibited under Islamic law.

Eating in Lebanon is tied to the family: people almost never eat alone. The Lebanese consider eating out to be a social and almost aesthetic experience. Therefore, restaurants usually have a pleasant view, of which the Lebanese geography offers many.

Food customs on ceremonial occasions

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is the occasion for large meals at sunset. Soup, fatteh (a chickpea and yogurt dish) and karbooj (a cake rich in nuts) are eaten especially during Ramadan.

During Lent, Christians eat meatless dishes and on Barbara (Halloween) they eat a variety of wheat-based dishes.

Marriage

Arranged marriages are rare, although they still exist. The country’s current economic crisis has made money, a secure job, and a home important factors in getting married.

Polygamy is legal among Muslims; however, it carries a social stigma, and very few people choose this lifestyle.

Religious courts decide on matters of marriage and divorce. Divorce is easy among Muslims, more difficult for Orthodox Christians, and more difficult in Maronite communities. The divorce rate is still very low.

Clothing

The Lebanese are very gregarious. The souks (markets) are always full; shopping in the city center is very popular, as is strolling with friends along the busy streets. The Lebanese generally sit together and interact lively.

Manners are important and heavily influenced by French etiquette, especially in matters of dress, management, and eating. Strangers and acquaintances alike greet each other respectfully, often using French terms such as bonjour, bon soir, and pardon.

Hospitality is very important. Travelers to Lebanon are enthusiastically welcomed.

Religion

Religious beliefs

Most Lebanese are religious and monotheistic. Lebanon is made up of Muslim and Christian sects that have escaped persecution throughout history by seeking refuge in its mountains. No religion is dominant. The country has Shia Muslims, Sunnis, Druze and Maronites Christians, and Greek and Armenian Orthodox.

Religious professionals

Religious figures have a lot of authority in Lebanon, as religious courts decide on many issues regarding the rights and privileges of individuals. This authority has been slightly undermined by the civil war.

Death and the afterlife

Funerals are often very elaborate; People are encouraged to openly express their feelings of loss and to follow the funeral processions.

All religions in Lebanon put a lot of emphasis on life after death. Individuals are constantly exhorted to live righteous lives in the present, which will allow them to enter a beautiful paradise.

Secular celebrations

Independence Day celebrates the country’s independence from France. Army Day celebrates the achievements of the Lebanese Army. Christmas is celebrated by all Christian denominations, but Muslims also participate. Si Il-Mouled celebrates the birth of the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

The arts and humanities

Arts support

Artists are usually self-supporting, although some receive contributions from patrons of the arts. There is no official government allocation of money for the arts, although art schools sometimes receive government aid.

Literature

Lebanon has a long history of excellent poets and novelists. In the early years of the 20th century, Lebanese authors took the lead in defending Arabic and its use in literary creation. Today, Lebanon still has many authors who write in Arabic, French, and sometimes English.

Oral literature is preserved in the villages, where the zajal, a form of poetry contest in the Lebanese dialect, is alive and enjoyed by all.

Graphic arts

Painting is very varied and is encouraged in Lebanon. French Surrealists, Cubists, and Impressionists particularly influenced Lebanese artists, who added an oriental touch to French technique and subject matter. There are many exhibits throughout the country, including the recently reopened Lebanese Museum in Beirut.

Traditional pottery is still popular in coastal cities, such as Al-Minaa in the north and Sidon in the south.

Local crafts are encouraged and many souks specialize in selling traditional art objects to tourists.

Performing arts

Both Eastern and Western music are popular. International festivals are once again very popular and offer a wide variety of symphonies, classical and modern ballets, foreign and local dance companies, and opera and pop singers.

These festivals are often held outdoors in historical places, such as the Roman temples of Baalbek, the Crusader ruins of Byblos, or the central district of Beirut. Due to the diversity of programs offered by these festivals, people from all walks of life attend and interact.

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