From a Wedding in Khartoum

In Red and Gold: Sudanese "Jertig" Grabs Millions of Views

In a hall ablaze with red and gold, the smoke of sandalwood and oud rose slowly, while the Sudanese bride sat draped in "Qarmasis," a scene reminiscent of an ancient Nile Valley memory. To the rhythm of the dalouka drum and ululations, the "Jertig" began—a ritual that is no longer merely a part of the wedding ceremony, but has become a visual icon transcending borders, opening a global window onto the depth of Sudanese culture.

A Gem of Heritage

The Jertig is considered one of the most prominent traditional rituals, reflecting a unique blend of Arab and African heritage, within the concept of "unity in diversity." It is not just a celebratory display, but a journey to bring good fortune and protect the bride and groom from the "evil eye," according to popular tradition.

In this context, Salah al-Amin, a researcher in Sudanese heritage, cultural history, and social studies, explained to Al-Arabiya.net that the Jertig custom, like many customs associated with celebratory rituals such as marriage and circumcision, likely originates from the ancient Sudanese kingdoms, specifically the northern Nile region of Sudan, before spreading to surrounding areas.

He added that evidence for this origin is the absence of Jertig in many regions neighboring Sudan, with the exception of a similar custom among the Amazigh (Berber) people in their marriage ceremonies. He also noted that when artifacts were discovered in the tomb of Queen Amanishakheto, tools believed to be similar to those used in Jertig were found, and that the names of some of these tools have non-Arabic connotations.

 From a Wedding in Khartoum 

The moment of coronation

Professor Abdullah al-Tayeb further explained that the word "Jertig" carries a profound symbolic meaning, referring to "coronation," as the groom is crowned king in an exceptional moment. He pointed out that this historical continuity is evident in ancient inscriptions, such as the mural in the Musawwarat temples, which depicts a groom holding a whip in a celebratory scene, thus linking the present to the ancient civilizations of Kerma and Meroe.

The Language of the Nile and Palm Trees

A picture circulating on social media among Sudanese people

Al-Amin explained that the red color in the wedding ceremony, along with the use of milk incense and certain perfumes, carries a religious significance related to the idea of ​​warding off evil spirits, a deeply rooted folk belief in the local consciousness. 

The rituals of "sprinkling milk" and "cutting the rahat" begin with placing a "dharira" (a type of head covering) on ​​the heads of the bride and groom amidst sandalwood incense. This is followed by the "sprinkling milk" ritual, where the bride and groom drink milk and sprinkle it on each other as a symbol of purity and affection.

A photo circulating on social media among Sudanese people.

This is followed by the "cutting of the Rahat" ceremony, where the groom cuts the "Harira" (a type of silk) tied around the bride's waist and throws fruit to the attendees in a vibrant scene accompanied by lively folk songs. 

This transforms the celebration from a personal event into a social tableau that strengthens family bonds. The researcher added that some Jertig rituals also include symbolic gestures towards the Nile, with the bride and groom being escorted towards its banks. This emphasizes the spiritual and symbolic connection to the river as a source of life and blessings in the Sudanese imagination.

From the Angareeb (a traditional Sudanese bed) to TikTok

The Jertig is no longer confined to Khartoum or rural Sudan. Digital platforms have rediscovered this beautiful ritual, and its vibrant colors and symbols have made it a trending topic on Instagram and TikTok, garnering millions of views.

According to studies by Professor Awn al-Sharif Qasim and Dr. Yusuf Mukhtar al-Amin, this heritage is the product of a profound human fusion, giving rise to a personality capable of addressing the world with a captivating visual language. 

Al-Amin noted that this custom did not remain confined within the borders of Sudan, but spread throughout its northern Nile region and beyond to countries such as Chad, Eritrea, and South Sudan, reflecting the broad cultural reach of this tradition.

It is worth mentioning that, in recognition of its human value, UNESCO inscribed the Jertiq on its list of intangible cultural heritage last December. Despite changing lifestyles, the Jertiq continues to resist the passage of time, retaining its ability to bring families together around a single tray that encapsulates the history of an entire people.