Yeleishka Human Rights :): Celebration of Culture (Yemen)

Language

Arabic is the national and official language of Yemen. Arabic is a Afro Asiatic language and ranked 4 according to number of native speakers (323 million).

We have compiled a list of common Arabic holiday phrases or words, which a traveller can use to get by in Yemen.

Religion

The religion in Yemen is Islam.

The religious groups in Yemen, majority of the population is comprised of Muslims. Other religions in Yemen are Christianity and Hinduism. The Muslims in Yemen, a majority is comprised of Sunnis. Sunnis are followed by Shi'i and Zaydi.

Islam In Yemen emerged as a religion during 7th century AD. Mainly the northern portion of Yemen is occupied by the Zaydis. This group of Islam had the privilege of enjoying more pohttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7930017491186945513wer in religious and political fields, in comparison to the other Islamic sects. The Sunni sect in Yemen, generally reside in the southern part of Yemen.

In Yemen, Christians cover only a trace of the population. They are followers of Roman Catholicism in Yemen. Tourists can visit the beautiful Roman Catholic Church in the country. Similarly a very negligible number of followers of Hinduism are found in Yemen. The Hindu and Christians have settled in the southern coasts of Yemen. Religion in Yemen reflects the culture and society of Yemen.

In Yemen, about 99% of the total population is consisted of the Muslims. Among the Muslim population of the country, 35% is consisted of the Shia Muslims, following the Zaydi School. The remaining 65% is consisted of the Sunni Muslims, or followers of the Shafi'i School. Besides the Shias and Sunnis in Yemen, there are Ismaili Muslims in the country.

Government of Yemen allows the freedom of practice of other religions in the country, other than the state religion. However, the country takes severe steps against those Muslims who are willing to convert themselves to any other religions.

Cultural Traditions

While veiling and an expensive brideprice are still common in Yemen today, modern wedding traditions may also include inviting the entire community to the celebration, and exotic wedding costumes of gold fabric, embellished with gold jewelry.

Professional musicians consider it their sacred duty to please the bride and groom, and guests may even take turns playing instruments. Sweet fritters are eaten by all of the wedding guests, symbolic of the wish that the newlyweds will have a sweet life together.

Cultural norms

Cultural norms underpin gun ownership.

There are almost 17 million weapons in Yemen, according to unofficial figures.

Almost every household has at least one gun.

Music

Music in Yemen is rich in melody. Its origin dates back to more than thousand years ago. The exotic charm of Arabian music is found in Yemen music. The culture and society of Yemen is reflected through the music of Yemen.

Music in Yemen is generally based on poetry. Most of the songs are derived from poetry written by poets in Yemen or Arabic poetry of Classical period. In Yemen, music is performed in several styles.

Music in Yemen is often sung to accompany dance performances. These songs involve various instruments like gasaba, tabl, tunkarat and marfa. The other styles include metrical variations in the songs.

Dance

Dance is being squeezed out of celebrations by young people more interested in practicing some modern moves. Traditional singing is facing a similar threat from contemporary songs, which are increasingly popular with young people. In women’s wedding halls, Yemeni dances are no longer popular among young girls. Many young people believe that modern dance of any kind is better than traditional Yemeni dance, because it provides a dialogue between cultures, demonstrates gracefulness—and gives them a better workout.

Everyone consider dancing to be a workout that only do during wedding ceremonies. Like dancing all kinds of dances with all kinds of styles, because everyone believe that can achieve, gracefulness and fitness.

Art

Art in Yemen include pottery, basket weaving, beadworks, ceramics, enameled paintings, embroidery works, matting, artistic glass works, lace-making, leather works and handicrafts made of shells.

Etiquette

The rules and conventions governing correct or polite behavior in society in general or in a specific social or professional group or situation.

Etiquette is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, an etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested.

Food

The Yemen dishes are very tasty and very rich condiments are used while cooking.

The people of Yemen love to cook spicy dishes with lots of fresh herbs.

People of Yemen love to consume meat. They prefer to eat lamb, beef and chicken. Meat is usually eaten either boiled or grilled. Generally, a broth or soup is prepared along with the dishes of meat. Yemen food also includes rice, lentils and cereals and fish is also consumed in the country. In Yemen, coffee is served at the end of a meal.