Flowers are not just for girls, or Why real Arabs wear wreaths

It is considered that flowers are the prerogative of girls. In every sense of the word: to give, to grow, to wear, etc. It's not a man's business to admire flowers! But the Qahtanites, or "southern Arabs", think otherwise. For them, wreaths of flowers are a real man's pride.

You can meet the descendants of Qahtan — the ancestor of all "southern" Arabs - in Saudi Arabia.

It is believed that they, along with the disappeared Arabian peoples— are true, "pure" Arabs.

From time immemorial, one of their traditions is to wear jewelry in the form of flower wreaths and beads.

Many years have passed, but this tradition is still alive here. Every self-respecting Kakhtanite necessarily wears a wreath or flower beads.

Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia is mostly a huge desert, more than 2,000 species of flora can be found here.

Beads and wreaths are made every morning at local markets. They are sold on average for 1 euro, but the price may be much higher. It all depends on the "filling" of the wreath.

The most expensive and refined are made from white jasmine. It is noteworthy that this flower is so "delicate" that sellers have to store it in refrigerators. And a wreath with jasmine in it is worn for only two days.

Some men make jewelry themselves, choosing unique herbs and flowers. The most common plants are wild basil, fenugreek and calendula.

Absolute chic for "flower people" is when a wreath is combined with a henna-dyed beard. They are sure that this way they look much younger and more attractive.

It is noteworthy that flower wreaths are worn not only for aesthetic, but also for medicinal purposes. Herbal medicine is very popular in Saudi Arabia, so they are used to treat headaches and relieve fatigue.

Despite their love of flowers, these men are also famous for their fighting qualities.

For a long time, the "flower people" led a secretive life, lived in the mountains and practically did not communicate with foreigners. However, with the development of the Kingdom, everything has changed.

Therefore, now the descendants of Kakhtan strive to tell about their traditions and pass them on to the next generations.

There are also men who refuse flower wreaths and beads. But in this case, they necessarily wear long hair as part of the local culture.

And some Kakhtanites, on the contrary, are so proud of their floral decorations that they even post their photos on Instagram. It is also a good way to show yourself "in all its glory" to future brides.

These are the "true" Arab men who are famous for their hot temperament, conservative morals, but at the same time do not hesitate to wear flowers in their hair.

What do you think about this tradition?