AhlulBayt News Agency: The support of Yemenis for the oppressed people of Gaza and their resistance against America and the Zionist regime has once again brought the name of this ancient land to the headlines. The wearing of a dagger beneath the turban and draping a shawl over the neck has drawn significant attention from people worldwide to Yemeni customs.
Jambiya
The dagger of the Yemenis, known as " jambiya," is recognized in this country and dates back to three thousand years before Christ. Despite the passage of thousands of years, it remains an inseparable part of the public culture of the Yemenis. In Yemen, the jambiya is referred to as a symbol of masculinity and grandeur, to the extent that people are identified based on the dagger they wear at their waist. Yemenis, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or sect, use this dagger in various occasions and ceremonies. Although it is a cold weapon, Yemenis often carry it with pride.
Loyalty to traditions
In general, the people of Yemen are more loyal to their national traditions than any other nation in West Asia. Wearing traditional clothing is considered both a formal and sacred practice for both men and women. It is rare to find a Yemeni man wearing a suit and trousers; their attire typically consists of local garments resembling Arab dress, paired with a shawl, turban, and dagger.
Popular legends about the jambiya
Among Yemenis, there are numerous stories and legends surrounding the jambiya. For instance, some believe that certain daggers, once unsheathed, will not return to their scabbard until their bearer emerges victorious in battle. Others claim that specific jambiyas can extract snake venom from a bitten person, acting as an antidote. Some even say that placing such daggers on a wound can stop bleeding.
Components of the jambiya
The jambiya features a handle called Ras al-jambiya. Its shape, quality, and material are crucial indicators of the dagger’s value, history, and the prestige of its owner. The most expensive and valuable handles are made from materials such as rhinoceros horn, giraffe bone, or elephant ivory. However, the Yemeni jambiya market has recently faced significant challenges due to the influx of imported daggers. Chinese-made jambiyas, for example, are priced between $50 and $100.
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