KUWAIT: Zaar ceremonies are ancient folkloric rituals to exorcise evil spirits, using different types of music, mainly the art of "Samri". Zaar originated in Ethiopia by primitive tribes in the 19th century, moving on to Sudan, followed by Egypt, and then the rest of the Arab world. It was also introduced into the Gulf countries, where these rituals were performed for a short period of time, ending as society started developing and stopped believing in such myths.

Speaking to KUNA on the subject, researcher in Kuwaiti folklore Adel Al-Abdulmoghni noted that Zaar ceremonies were performed using musical instruments such as daf and drums, followed by special dance moves using Samri art. The purpose of such rituals is to treat those believed to be possessed by evil spirits or cursed by a magic spell.

People would form a circle around the "sick" person, singing a bunch of songs as the possessed would dance hysterically to the point of exhaustion, said the researcher. Once he or she collapses on the floor, participants will pour water on his/her body and may also smear it with a black rooster's blood, allowing the evil spirit to exit the body, he added.

The Zaar group is headed by someone they call the 'Sheikh', who often carries a thick bamboo stick and strictly keeps order in the rituals, said Abulmoghni.  Meanwhile, he said the ground where the ceremony is performed on is considered a holy area and visitors are not allowed to enter wearing shoes.  The sheikh gives those attending the ceremony the illusion that the evil spirit is a non-Muslim and would not exit the body unless the visitors sacrifice black sheep or poultry.

These sacrifices would later be taken and eaten by the Zaar group, he noted. The sheikh would also perform strange movements and ask the family of the possessed to provide certain items, claiming it is the demon's request in order exit the body, he said. The researcher explained that these ceremonies were mainly used for the benefit and earnings of the Zaar group. It also was a means of entertainment for attendants who enjoyed dancing to the sound of Samri rhythms and songs. The visitors also paid to help the group continue its performances. - KUNA