The State of Kuwait has a distinguished history that dates back more than 4,000 years, as evidenced by the artifacts discovered by researchers. It is also uniquely located among the Gulf states, making it a bridge between the ancient world, as it holds a strategic position controlling access to ancient civilizations and markets. Kazma (one of the region’s old names) was a station for caravans coming from Persia and Mesopotamia to the eastern and interior parts of the Arabian Peninsula. For a long time, it served as a commercial link between the Indian Ocean and the Levant and Europe, being the meeting point of one of the longest and most important trade routes in the ancient world. Failaka Island, with its wells and fresh water, was also a stop for commercial ships connecting ports at the head of the Gulf with the southern parts on their way to Oman, India, and East Africa ⁽¹⁾.

The State of Kuwait is located in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered to the east by the Arabian Gulf, to the north by Iraq, and to the west and south by Saudi Arabia. Kuwait covers an area of approximately 17,818 square kilometers. Its surface consists of flat sandy plains with few scattered hills, and its most notable natural feature is the Wadi Al-Batin, located in the northwest of the country, forming the middle of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border ⁽²⁾.

Kuwait has preserved its authenticity and deep-rooted traditions, with its Arab Muslim people maintaining their identity, culture, and civilization despite the significant modernization in daily life. The tribal system has helped preserve Kuwait’s genuine heritage, especially its moral legacy, which is reflected in popular celebrations throughout the year and their connection to historical events related to the Islamic nation. Here, we will discuss the forms of these historical and contemporary celebrations and the influence of Kuwaiti citizens on them:

First: National Occasions:

– Independence and Liberation Days:

Kuwait celebrates its annual "Hala February" festival, which takes place every February to commemorate Independence and Liberation Days. The celebrations last throughout February, which is one of the best and most pleasant months in the country due to its mild temperatures. The festivities include various joyful events such as entertainment, musical concerts, shopping festivals, and cultural activities, including poetry and literary evenings organized by both state and private cultural institutions.

– Divers’ Return Celebration:

This is one of the national celebrations where a large festival is held to welcome the divers returning from the sea after being away for several months. A grand celebration takes place on the shore, involving the entire town—men, women, and children.

Second: Popular Occasions:

The Kuwaiti community remains socially and family-oriented, with families and tribes gathering for popular and social events, with the form of celebration varying based on the material, economic, and social standing of each family. Some of these occasions include:

– The "Noon" Event:

This is an old traditional celebration, part of Kuwait’s heritage, though it is slowly fading away. It involves simple celebrations for recurring family events, such as celebrating a baby’s first tooth or their first steps ⁽³⁾. The event typically takes place in the afternoon, and family members and neighbors' children are invited, with the mother distributing sweets to celebrate the occasion.

– Religious Occasions:

Kuwait has a strong Islamic popular character, and religious celebrations are held at both the official and popular levels. The Kuwaiti people treat these events with a sense of sanctity, respect, and reverence. During these celebrations, stores, schools, and official institutions close, and people exchange greetings and visit each other on family and tribal levels.

These include celebrations of the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s birthday, as well as the official Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The country also celebrates the Isra and Mi'raj event, and one of the religious celebrations is "Girgian," which takes place on the 13th, 14th, and 15th nights of Ramadan. As in the past, children go around the neighborhood in groups singing prayers for the safety of the household’s children, and the lady of the house offers them plates of nuts and sweets ⁽⁴⁾.

– Wedding Preparation Celebrations:

Wedding preparation celebrations are also part of Kuwait’s heritage and authentic Arab traditions. They hold great significance for the social bonds between family, neighbors, friends, and close relatives. The bride’s family may borrow jewelry from women in the family to adorn the bride during these celebrations. Some families may lend rugs, beds, or seating sets, or even help prepare the food.

Although wedding customs in Kuwait are as old as the country itself, these customs have changed significantly, becoming more extravagant. Families now compete in spending, sometimes even exhausting their savings to present an overly lavish image. The engagement is traditionally arranged through a matchmaker on behalf of the groom’s family to facilitate the process. If both parties agree, the next step is the "Dazah," a gift from the groom’s father to the bride, who is not allowed to leave the house at all during the engagement period. The gift is delivered to the bride’s home on a Thursday or Monday, according to Kuwaiti customs. If the girl is highly favored in her father’s house, the "Jalwa" takes place, during which the bride wears a green dress and a green silk head covering, and songs are sung with musical instruments played in her honor.

In modern times, greater choice is given to the groom to select his bride himself, often bypassing the matchmaker system or the traditional choice of the young man’s mother ⁽⁵⁾.

– Funeral and Mourning Traditions:

Kuwait’s funeral and mourning traditions are derived from Islamic law, which it shares with most Arab and Muslim countries. The Kuwaiti and Gulf communities generally retain a strong sense of religious commitment, rooted in their beliefs about doctrine and Islamic law. Consequently, death traditions are characterized by simplicity and lack of extravagance. The deceased is buried in a grave following Islamic law, with the grave being only slightly elevated to mark its location.

Mourning lasts for three days in the deceased’s family home. For the deceased’s wife, if he had one, she observes the Islamic mourning period of 4 months and 10 days, during which she is forbidden to adorn herself, leave the house, or be seen by anyone outside her immediate family. After the mourning period, she washes herself in the sea, after which she is free to remarry if she wishes. It is noteworthy that Islamic law remains the governing rule for all matters related to funerals and mourning, with only minor changes seen in contemporary practices, such as allowing women who work to leave the house before the end of their mourning period.

– The Diwaniya ⁽⁶⁾:

The Diwaniya is a separate space within some large Kuwaiti homes, used for receiving guests and hosting private events. It is an old custom, often attached to homes based on the owner’s financial capacity and the size of the house. Modern houses still retain this idea despite the significant developments in Kuwaiti architecture. The doors of the Diwaniya remain open throughout the day, ready to receive guests at any time, and benches are placed outside for passersby to rest if they wish.

The Diwaniya holds great importance for Kuwaitis, beyond being a preserved tradition. It is a place where important meetings of civil society institutions are held, decisions are made, and it is also a venue for spending leisure time with family and friends. With modernization, it has become more like a social club where people meet to spend their time and hold political, cultural, and literary meetings. Kuwaitis have also equipped their Diwaniyas with modern entertainment, such as air conditioners, televisions, and internet access.

Recently, women's Diwaniyas have emerged, resembling intellectual and cultural salons found in some Arab countries. These are exclusively women’s gatherings, each held with a specific purpose.

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(1) Kuwait Center for Research and Studies.

(2) Ibid.

(3) Kuwait Government Online, under the title "Customs and Traditions In Kuwait," adapted.

(4) Ibid.

(5) "Marriage Customs and Traditions in Kuwait: From the 'Dazah' to the 'Jalwa'," Dalia Dawood.

(6) "Diwaniyas in Kuwait (Origin – Development – Influence), A Historical Study," Prof. Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Hajri, Professor of Kuwait History - Faculty of Arts - Kuwait University.

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