Exploring Lebanon Traditional Clothing: A Window into Lebanese Culture
Lebanon traditional clothing reflects Lebanon’s rich traditions and cultural diversity, influenced by various conquerors throughout history. From the Romans to the French, these influences have shaped the way Lebanese people dress. While modern Beirutis embrace Western fashion, rural communities still cherish their traditional costumes. In this article, we will explore the distinct clothing styles of Lebanese women and men, showcasing their unique features and accessories.
Table of Contents
Lebanon Traditional Clothing for Women:
Regardless of location or social status, Lebanese women tend to cover most of their bodies, including their heads. Whether they are Muslims or Christians, they wear long black cloaks, veils, and scarves when they leave their homes. Rural women prefer simpler costumes with fewer decorations, while urban women may opt for more embellishments. Lebanon traditional clothing for women generally consists of a long dress with long sleeves, a short jacket, and a cloak or scarf to cover the head and body. They also wear baggy trousers on some occasions. The sleeves of the dresses are detachable, allowing for flexibility. During special events, women let their sleeves flutter as they dance.
Gambaz
The gambaz is an ornate dress made from luxurious materials like velvet, brocade, and shiny silk and is an important part of Lebanon traditional clothing. Typically, married women wear this dress as it symbolizes motherhood. The gambaz features a low neckline and fitted sleeves, with the skirt either loose or revealing an underlying dress through side slits.
Sherwal
Sherwal also known as Lebanese baggy pants in Lebanon traditional clothing. They have been a popular garment for men, serving as the primary lower body clothing choice. However, it’s worth noting that women in Lebanon also embrace the style and wear baggy trousers. In Lebanon traditional clothingSherwal pants feature a wide and loose fit, with a narrower silhouette from the knee downwards. Among Lebanese men, it is customary to don black or dark blue sherwal pants. This particular cut of trousers complements the traditional high leather boots commonly worn by Lebanese men, creating a well-coordinated ensemble.
Labbade
Labbade, an archaic Lebanese headdress, holds ancient origins and was traditionally worn by local peasant men for an extensive period. According to Lebanon traditional clothing, it consists of a cylindrical hat made from camel wool, with a white or black-and-white scarf wrapped around it.
Tantour
Tantour, a distinctive and well-recognized Lebanese traditional accessory, is a women’s headdress known for its extravagant and unique design. Popular during the 19th century, this high conical hat captured the attention of Lebanese women. The headdress in Lebanon traditional clothing consisted of a snug-fitting cap adorned with a tall silver or gold cone, sometimes reaching a height of 30 inches. To secure it in place, the tantour was fastened under the chin. The cone was often embellished with pearls, gems, pendants, and intricate designs. Additionally, a silk veil was commonly attached to the cone, draping down to the woman’s waist and encircling her shoulders. The tantour served as a status symbol, often presented as a wedding gift to affluent married women by their grooms.
Jubbe
Jubbe, a hip-length jacket, was a simple outerwear garment worn by both men and women in Lebanon traditional clothing. Collarless and devoid of fastenings, it typically fell to mid-thigh length. Some variations included side slits. Jubbes were predominantly crafted from dark fabrics and were commonly worn by peasants.
Accessories:
Lebanese women adorn themselves with various accessories. The tantur, a classic Lebanese headdress, is worn by newlywed women. It consists of a high cone shape with a long silk or silk brocade cloth flowing down the back. Additionally, wooden shoes called kabkabs have been worn by Lebanese women since the 14th century. Wealthy women decorate them with intricate patterns, carvings, and mother of pearl. The shoes’ upper parts are made of leather, velvet, or silk. They also wear large belts with extravagant belt buckles, often embellished with colorful glass, gems, pearls, and other jewels. Jewelry, such as gold and silver necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and tiaras, is popular among Lebanese women, showcasing their wealth and status.
Traditional Clothing for Lebanese Men:
Lebanese men typically wear multi-layered baggy trousers called sherwals, paired with a shirt, vest, jacket or cloak, belt, headdress, and shoes. These clothes often feature dark colors and stripes. In everyday life, men in rural areas still prefer black or blue sherwals, a white shirt, a dark vest, a black or red belt, shoes, and a headgear.
Lebanon Traditional Clothing for Men
During festive occasions, Lebanese men don bright and ornate costumes. Their jackets and vests are adorned with embroidery, atlas ribbons, and metal embellishments. Festive attire is usually made from different fabrics than everyday clothing, but the overall cut remains the same.
Traditional Headdresses and Hats
Men wear various traditional headdresses in Lebanon. The keffiya, a headscarf found in many Arab countries, is popular. The labbade, an old cap from the Phoenician period, has been replaced by the tarboush, a short cone-shaped brown felt hat (also known as a fez). While the tarboush is mainly worn by older men, younger generations prefer the keffiya.
Preserving Lebanon Traditional Clothing
Although many Lebanese have embraced modern fashion, traditional clothing can still be seen at festivals, ceremonies, and folk performances. It serves as a reminder of Lebanon’s cultural heritage and values
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Summary
Lebanon Traditional Clothing is deeply intertwined with the country’s history and diversity. While urban areas have embraced Western fashion, rural communities hold onto their traditional costumes. Lebanese women dress modestly, covering their bodies and heads, while men wear multi-layered garments. The ornate accessories and headdresses further enrich their attire. By exploring Lebanon traditional clothing, we gain insight into the cultural richness of this remarkable country. To further explore Lebanese and Arab culture, as well as learn Arabic language skills.
