The Lebanese Dabki

Lebanon is devoted to the arts more so than any other country of its kind on earth. I say more so I am truthfully correct in these words because we find its people are always thirsty for the arts. The sound of the cascading streams and the appearing sun on the mountains in a glorious heavenly but artistic way, the trees swaying gently to and from as the wind rustles the leaves in Lebanon, is the finding of talent.

The Lebanese person on hearing the sound
of the streams and the wind rustling through the leaves, he thinks of the sounds of music he sings along, if wanting to wake in the morning, he will not wake unless he hears the chirping sound of birds.

And here I shorten my words on this topic to say when The Almighty God created Lebanon. It was made to be picturesque in all forms of life and naturally the community would be also.

The presence of this beautiful nation and these people who founded the Lebanese Folkloric Dance (Dabki), was to remain forever present to this land which is small in size, but large at heart in talent.

Here I give an insight about the Lebanese Dabki, which are:

• The Lebanese Dabki is a culture of our Lebanese ancestors.
• The Lebanese Dabki is magnificently beautiful in its own right.
• The Lebanese Dabki is the chance for both male and females to join in performing
their own cultural way of land.
• The Lebanese Dabki is the inspiration at happy gatherings.
• Last but not least the musical songs that are specially created and played for the Dabki will always be played and no person will ever lose interest in it.

Following is a brief meaning of the musical songs that are meant for dancing or romance that are a far cry from the Dabki songs.

Every now and then, a new dance or dances appear on the scene that thrills the boys and the girls, emotionally into an unimaginable height and wins many followers. That allows the stiff rivalry between the writers and composers in the creation of the songs for people to dance their dances of enjoyment.

But the Dabki the one that does not end, the people have danced it for centuries and will always do, its followers in the community is universal, young or old, rich or poor.

As I mentioned earlier, the Dabki is the cultural heritage in Lebanon and that culture does not cease; but if it was to cease then so will the Nation and its people.

That is why the Dabki in our Mother Country, Lebanon, or elsewhere in the lands where it carries the certitude of responsibility and grounding, from this it shows the serenity of Lebanon and its people.

This is the evolution of the foundation. The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group like to join in every festival possible, to present the Dabki everywhere far form its land of origin, giving the true image of the Lebanese community.

We ask God to safeguard every person who cares about the group the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric group and out Mother country, Lebanon.

Elie Akouri
President of CLFG