Lebanese traditions

Lebanon (in Arabic Lubnān) is a republic in Western Asia. Lebanon is located on the shore of Mediterranean sea. It has an area of 10,452 square kilometers. Lebanon has a population of 4,099,000 (2007 estimate). It is estimated that about 10 million Lebanese live outside Lebanon.

Map of Lebanon

There are different theories about the origin of word Lebanon. Some say it is derived from Aramaic word "lbn" which means "white". It is believed that it is because of the snow covered Mount Lebanon (in Arabic Jabal Lubnan) which extends across the country. Its highest peak is Qurnat as Sawda' (3,088 m).

The second theory sees the origin of the word Lebanon in Syriac which is a dialect of Middle Aramaic language. In Syriac word Lebanon could be translated as "the heart of God" ( "leb" is heart, (a)non is God).

One of main symbols of the country is the Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani). It grows in Western Asia (Lebanon, Syria, parts of Turkey). Its variation exists in Cyprus, Algeria and Morocco.

Lebanon Cedar

This cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree. It can reach the height of up to 40 m. Its trunk can have diameter of up to 2.5 m. The Lebanon Cedar can be seen on the Lebanese flag and coat-of-arms. There is also a legend stating that the cedar from Lebanon was used to build the King Solomon's temple.

Flag of Lebanon

Lebanon is a country where the oldest, continuously populated city in the world is located. Byblos or Jbeil, as it is known today, is at least 7000 years old. Phoenicians used to believe that the city was founded by the god El.

Jbeil (Byblos)

Lebanon has both Islamic and Christian population. The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. The Arabic spoken in this country belongs to the group of dialects known as Levantine Arabic. French, Armenian, Greek and English are spoken too. In everyday life many people actually speak some combination of these languages. The most common combination is the Arabic-French one.

Lebanon has rich history, numerous traditions and traditional products. One of them is the olive soap. It is made with olive oil. It is known for its quality and moisturising characteristics. The Lebanese believe that it is good for curing eczema, dandruff etc. Parts of Lebanon especially famous for olive soap are Hasbaiya, Saida, Chouf and Koura. Soaps are traditionally sold in small shops or souks. Villages of Assia and Rachaiya El-Foukhar are known for their beautiful handmade pottery.

The Lebanese hammered brass and copper trays are made in various parts of the country. They vary in shape and size. Tableware from the village of Qalamoun is really beautiful.

The town of Jezzine, located in the south of Lebanon, is known for its cutlery. The cutlery is made of gold, silver and other precious metals. Many have handles made of bone or ivory. Some have the shape of a firebird.

Grass weaving is yet another ancient tradition that exists in Lebanon. People use palm leaves, agarwood (oud) and other materials to make furniture, hats, mats and baskets. Places famous for such objects are Aaakkar and Aamchit.

Enfeh (Anfeh) is a small coastal town in the north of Lebanon. It has predominantly Greek Orthodox population. It is famous for its high quality salt harvested from the Mediterranean Sea.

The salt is used in cuisine or as a bathing salt. Salt scented with various oils can be bought in sachets. Women in Lebanon often place them in wardrobes.

Wedding engagements in Lebanon are usually organized in bride's home. The groom brings lots of presents. There is a big party going on.

Lebanese wedding can last for up to three consecutive days. The most impressive is the day of Zaffeh. Nowadays this term means wedding celebration in general. The wedding starts with two parties – one in groom's home and one in bride's home. With the arrival of groom to bride's home the third party starts.