A commemorative card for International Women's Day: Lebanese women are pioneers of folk traditions.

On International Women's Day (March 8th of each year), and as a tribute from the "Beit Al Musawwar Association in Lebanon" to women's efforts in all fields, especially in heritage, traditional folk art, and Lebanese dabke, a commemorative "Cinderella" stamp, 8 x 11 cm in size, will be released on this occasion (March 8, 2021). The stamp was designed and illustrated by Kamel Jaber, based on a photograph of Lebanese folklore. 500 stamps will be issued.

Lebanese folklore, throughout its recorded history, was not a male-dominated folklore limited to male circles. Rather, women constituted an equal and distinguished share, if not more. The Lebanese Dabke, which is the basis of this folklore, was widespread in all Lebanese regions. It was the queen of the squares and threshing floors, and it was a link in the meeting of lovers, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder, and in the celebration and exchanges of the Dal'ouna.

Lebanese folk music, along with theater, came in the works of many pioneers, including the Rahbani brothers, Romeo Lahoud, Zaki Nassif, Walid Gholmieh, the Caracalla Dance Company, and other groups that emerged in successive periods, to establish an art that enjoyed global and Arab fame, in which women played a leading role, as they were the undisputed masters of artistic, theatrical, and musical works in many instances. Here we mention Fairouz, Sabah, Salwa Al-Qatrib, and others. The Dabke and folk dance circles remained incomplete without women, with their clothing derived from the Lebanese dress heritage, which evolved in design and addition, to later form a pillar of folk folklore.

And for fear that some might fish in troubled waters, it must be noted that women in Lebanon have enriched cultural, literary, fictional, humanitarian and even political works, and have achieved a great deal of fame and reputation that has transcended the borders of the homeland to the Arab and international arenas. It is impossible not to pay tribute and appreciation to the spirit of the writer Emily Nasrallah, who passed away on this day, three years ago (March 13, 2018).

Lebanese women’s clothing in folklore and traditional dress relied on two main pillars: the abaya and the tantour, if not the head covering. The folkloric dress was distinguished by the designs, embroidery, and additions that beautified it to the point of dazzling.

The cloak:

It is the traditional garment for women, preceded by an earlier style consisting of wide trousers and a long sweater, which later evolved into the abaya. Even today, the abaya has retained its allure in Lebanon despite the changing nature and pace of life. It remains an integral part of local folklore, while keeping pace with modern fashion trends in terms of design, fabric, colors, and accessories. This is especially true given its transition from a "heritage" garment to a traditional dress worn by women adhering to specific religious or sectarian attire.

The abaya has very ancient roots in Lebanese history, as it was the official dress of Lebanese princesses, who ensured their abayas were made of silk extracted from silkworms and then woven on a loom. Even today, women in society proudly wear the Lebanese abaya on specific occasions.

The taunter:

The tantour is worn by Lebanese women in mountainous regions, regardless of their religious, sectarian, or ideological affiliations. It is traditionally worn by married women from all social classes. It has now become almost extinct and is only worn by traditional folk dance troupes, particularly those performing at weddings.

The height and material of the tantour (a type of headdress) were in keeping with the social status and wealth of the family. A tantour made of gold, often adorned with precious stones and pearls, was reserved for the daughters of wealthy families. Less affluent women wore tantours made of silver or wood.