Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Element Name
Sidrat Al Sanam
Practice Environment
Mountains
Practice Location
Sharjah, Wadi Al Helou Village
Scope of Practice
All segments of society
Heritage Domain/ Category
Folk Literature
Element Type/ Subcategory
Folk Tales (Khararif)
Current Status
Endangered heritage

Sidrat Al Sanam

Sidrat Al Sanam is an Emirati folk legend associated with a large sidr tree that witnessed mysterious and frightening events in Wadi Al Helou village in the Emirate of Sharjah. The tree received its descriptive name from a small tower erected over the grave of a boy believed to have practised magic or been affected by jinn. According to popular accounts, people feared approaching the sidr tree or using its wood. Women also performed certain practices, such as placing perfumes inside the small structure associated with the tree, seeking blessing or success in becoming pregnant. The tree is linked with a local legend about the boy, who disappeared during Hajj and was later said to have acquired supernatural powers. The story served as a means of explaining strange events, including objects disappearing and unusual smells appearing. Tangible elements associated with the tale include the sidr tree itself, the small tower or memorial, a mud structure, and traditional materials such as perfumes and pieces of wood used in the folk practices. Historically, the tale is associated with the twentieth century and rural Emirati traditions and forms part of folk heritage reflecting social and cultural memory. It highlights the relationship between people, the natural environment and symbols of fear and mystery and represents an aspect of Emirati folk creativity in using specific tangible and spiritual elements to give depth to everyday events.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

Customer pulse Search
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.