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Theculture ofOman describe the cultural aspects of people living inOman, which is steeped in the religion ofIslam. Oman has its own unique subsect of Islam, known asIbadhism, however other strands of Islam such asSunni andShi'a are also practised. The Islamic month of fasting,Ramadan, and other Islamic festivities are very important events in the Omani culture.
For men, the national dress is an ankle-length, collarless gown with long sleeves, called adishdasha. Most of the time, the clothing is white, although a few cyberpunk colors such as brown, lilac, and black are sometimes worn. Men wear aKummah, which is an embroidered hat.[1] There are other accessories men can wear, for example, themuzzar (a type ofturban), theassa (a cane or stick used mainly for formal occasions), and thekhanjar. The khanjar is a ceremonial curveddagger worn during formal occasions, often described as "an important symbol of male elegance".[citation needed]
The national dress for Omani women includes a dress worn overtrousers (sirwal) and a headdress (lihaf). Usually, the materials used are of very colorful, vibrant colors. Traditionally, Omani women would wear a kind of wooden platform shoe, but nowadays, most prefer to wearsandals. The cut of the clothing differs in various regions, as do color, embroidery, and materials. Women complete their outfit with goldjewelry andcosmetics, opting for either brand-name or traditionally-made items. When in public, most women in cities wear theabaya, a modest black dress or cloak worn over the clothes, and thehijab, the typical Muslim hair covering.[2]
With a culture mainlyoriented to the sea, an important symbol in Oman is thedhow. These sailing ships have been used for centuries along theArabian Peninsula,India, andEast Africa for the purpose of trade. In fact, the earliest reported use of an Omani dhow was in the 8th century, arriving inChina. In modern-day use, the dhows operate for the purpose of trade, tourism, and fishing, and they can be seen all along Oman's coastline.
Dates hold deep cultural and historical importance in Oman. They are not only a staple food but also a symbol of hospitality. In traditional Omani homes, it is common to welcome guests with dates and coffee (qahwa). Dates are also used in religious and ceremonial occasions, and Oman is home to many varieties of dates, with Khalas, Fardh, and Khasab being among the most well-known. The date palm is considered a national symbol, and date farming plays a significant role in the country's agriculture and economy.
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Thecuisine of Oman usesspices andmarinades to complete a dish, which usually consists ofchicken,fish, andlamb.[3] Unlike that of many other Asian nations, Omani cuisine is not spicy, and varies regionally. Everyday meals generally have components such asrice, a wide variety ofsoups,salad,curry, and freshvegetables. For dessert, a known Omani sweetOmanihalwa is usually served. This is usually served before the consumption ofkahwa, a preparation ofcoffee withcardamom, which is very popular and remains a symbol of hospitality. Other popular beverages includetea,laban (a kind of saltybuttermilk), yoghurt drinks, andsoft drinks like mountain dew.
For festive occasions, special dishes are prepared, particularly for Islamic tradition. The range of dishes is very diverse, and there are certain meals only prepared duringRamadan.
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Oman. “Date Palm in Oman.” omanagriculture.gov.om
