Zaghroda

Zaghrotah is a type of whistling or a voice that usually women perform on special occasions. It can be performed in weddings, or to welcome back muslims returning from pilgrimage, arrival of a new child, the triumph of an army, or even celebrating the bravery of a martyr. These are all occasions that call for applause and it has been there for a very long time. Zaghrotah is also a ritual of reception and farewell in the Arab-African countries.

Known as Zaghrodeh, Zagrootah, Zagrotha as it is called in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt, and “Alibaba” in the Arabian Gulf, or “Tzgritha” in the Maghreb countries in Northwest Africa. Zаghrodah, like old customs, has a lot of stories about its origin, but remains at the end unknown that we may not know how it began.

Some say it has its origin as an old pagan tradition, where singing for the gods was done collectively by selected women, seeking mercy, survival and happiness.

This might explain why women who perform zaghrouta always end it with the word “lech”, or as “lei lech lech”. According to the Syrian writer and researcher George Kader, there is a correlation between this sound and “Lilith”, the name of one of the oldest gods of the East. The legend of Lillith can be traced back to old Jewish traditions. “Lei Lech” is a magical mantra that begs for Lilith’s blessings by making women call and repeat her name in a strong voice in the end of the zaghrouta.

Lilith has a special case in marriage, as she can invite “her holy prostitutes” to lead the bride to the marriage bed and give her blessings, after the woman mentioned her name frequently as “Lee Leach” or “Lilith.”

Tags: 

Zaghrotah    , Weddings   , Egypt , Ritual     , Customs and traditions ,   singing ,

Women    , Legend ,       Muslims , marriage  , Mantra , begs ,   magic , blessings