{"id":10199,"date":"2024-03-05T13:08:18","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T21:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.davina.us\/blog\/?p=10199"},"modified":"2024-10-10T13:14:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T20:14:45","slug":"kirdan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.davina.us\/blog\/2024\/03\/kirdan\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you have a Kirdan in your costume wardrobe?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Egyptian Kirdan,
\na dance tradition<\/h2>\n

In our world of belly dance, we call necklaces like the one to the right many different things.<\/p>\n

They might be called a \u201cDowery Necklace\u201d as they are associated with weddings and are worn during the zeffeh, a traditional wedding processional. Photo Courtesy of BellyDance.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You might also find them described as \u201cEgyptian Crescent Moon Necklaces. \u201d The moon is symbolic of the cyclical nature of womanhood. During the 20th century, dance performers wore these to performances associated with weddings.<\/p>\n

Belly dancers have long used their terminology to describe the style and use of these traditional costume pieces. However, Egyptian jewelry makers and dealers call this necklace style a “Kirdan.”<\/p>\n

A Kirdan-style necklace is a larger, multi-layered piece worn from the neck down the chest.\u00a0 The kirdan might be mounted on a choker at the neck, or worn on a chain lower down the chest. Although this style is quite large and dramatic, kirdans are traditionally crafted from small dainty components.\u00a0 These pieces include shaped fillets, bells, coins, and charms.<\/p>\n

In this film clip featuring the song Yamma El Amar Al Bab, notice the lovely kirdan worn by the singer.\u00a0 (And all that assiut?\u00a0 You know, I had to sneak it in!)<\/p>\n