Getting dressed for Eid
Come Eid and the shops are galore with wonderful items heralding a beautiful festival that brings cheer in one and all. For the past few days all over Oman people have been waiting to celebrate Eid al Adha with great delight! Shopping malls have been buzzing with shoppers busy choosing the most wise and elegant buys for the festive occasion.
Markets in town blaze forth boards announcing grand sales and free gifts that accompany the items. For, besides being meticulous about religious matters and prayers Eid is also an occasion to feel the joy of buying lovely, memorable gifts for friends and relatives. Textile shops, shoe shops, gift shops, greeting card stores, even the 'everything under RO1-2-3' shops abound in choices that cater to everyone's taste!
During Eid, men and women methodically pay due respect to their duties in accordance with Islamic ordinances. When it comes to dressing up for the occasion, we see that much is revealed in the conventional style that reflects the tradition and cultural heritage of the country. Omani women pay special attention to various techniques on adornment during special occasions. The preparations carry stories of the 'far away and the long ago'.
The original and versatile designs have hardly altered through the centuries although there have been some fashion swings in the types of materials used. Silks, brocades, satins and chiffon all come into play combining modesty and elegance with intricate colours and decorations with gold and silver threads.
Impressive as they are, they reveal the richness and perfection of Omani art. Tailors come out with a captivating selection of conventional designs and accessories. Some of them even display a number of modern designs too, interspersed within the traditional patterns as suggested by some of the customers.
The 'sirwal' and the dress worn over it come in an array of colours. The neckline, hemline and cuffs are embroidered with gold, silver, silk or ziri threads. Some of the embroidery takes months to complete. In that case work starts much in advance. A fascinating selection of beads and sequins are also included in the work. Silver ornaments are sometimes sewn into the dress. Sometimes they embellish the neckline of a dress. The leggings of the 'sirwal' too are heavily embroidered. The headscarf, which is an integral part of Omani costume, is also decorated with silver coins. The hair itself is plaited in fancy styles.
Samira al Manji who works in a reputed oil company says she waits eagerly for such occasions because she likes to adorn herself in her own choice of traditional wear. She prefers readymade dresses, especially the long cotton ones. Her exclusive collection, which she saves to wear for such occasions, exhibit her modest taste. "Costumes should bear the cultural identity of the nation", says Samira.
The marvelous costumes are always complemented by ornate jewellery. Women adorn themselves with lovely pendants and hair decorations and head decorations. The gold headdress often has moon and star symbols on them.
These elaborate designs have been the influence of the country's trade connections with other nations. That is why it is said that many of the ornaments are reminiscent of jewellery that belonged to a very early age in the history of Oman.
Festivals in Oman inspire women to deck themselves with various types of jewellery that have their distinctive features typical of certain regions like Dhofar, Sharqiyah, Sur, Rostaq, Nizwa, Bahla and Ibri. In some villages the elderly silversmiths retain the traditional designs to the last detail.
The silversmiths in Bahla carry on the legacy of the loop-in-loop chain work of silver wire. Although many changes can be seen in current designs, styles and techniques of Omani jewellery, marks of the early trend are still conspicuous.
The patterns on Omani jewellery are floral, geometric and calligraphic. Beads of all sorts are also used extensively. Sometimes the necklace has gold leaf beaten on to them with coral beads and ceramic accentuating the grandeur of the whole effect.
Rahima Imtiaz is a schoolteacher who prefers her dresses to be stitched according to her individual taste. She loves the intricate work of beads and stones on her dresses that she wears for Eid festivals. With regard to jewellery, she prefers gold and precious stones to silver. "Looking my best is the next best thing I like besides visiting friends and relatives. It gives me immense pleasure," says Rahima.
Oman Observer 24th February 2002
