Al-Jertiq: practices, rituals and expressions for… (Sudan)
Nomination: Representative List 2025
EN: Jertig ceremony and rites of Pride Ruaa Adil and groom Ahmed Musa
EN: Red is the favourite colour for the Jertig rituals. A bride and groom Jertig costume. One important wedding requirements starts with the procurement of a red garment and silk toab embroidered in golden colour for the pride and a white for the groom
EN: The jewelry of silver and gold: The bride adorns herself with abundant silver and gold jewellery passed through generations during al-Jertig ceremonies. Beyond enhancing her beauty, these pieces symbolize prestige, wealth, and nobility, serving primarily to ward off the evil eye, envy, and malevolent forces, thus ensuring protection against harm.
EN: Change on the traditional Jertig costume for pride and groom
EN: The 'al Jertig 'Angaraib' is a wooden bed adorned for the bride and groom to sit on during the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, a red-coloured birish (a rectangular straw mat), is placed on it. Recently, it has been replaced by a red sheet or carpet. The 'Angraib' serves as the groom's throne, signalling the commencement of formalities.
EN: Al-Firka: After putting on all jewelry, the bride wears a red garment and covers herself with a firkah dress, which is a soft texture and shiny red and yellow colors sheet. The firkah is a special cover for a married woman, which she uses in Jertig ceremony and after mariage to cover her body. An unmarried girl cannot wear a firkah at all.
EN: An image of a ritual showing the gods blessing the king and queen seated in a posture resembling al-Jertiq. Such scenes are depicted in inscriptions on the walls of the Temple of the Sun, in the Yellow Musawwarat, and in Naqa'a, from the Kingdom of Meroë (from 300 BC to 350 AD).
EN: The Jartq tray is an intricately engraved wide tray made of copper. On it, there are three beautifully decorated red and black wooden vessels known as the 'hoq' of varying sizes designed for storing perfumes and Jertig tools. Adjacent to the vessels, there are cups containing fresh milk. An incense burner emits the delightful scents of incense which form the foundation of the al-Jertig ritual.
EN: The bride expresses her shyness and dignity by veiling her face and body with a firka (silk sheet). However, during the performance of Jertig, the groom is permitted to unveil his wife, symbolizing a moment of joyful celebration and connection between the newlywed couple.
EN: Al-Harira: A vibrant red silk adorned with a black bead, traditionally tied onto the hand of grooms as a protective measure against the malevolent influence of the evil eye.
