Culture & Traditions

Hospitality and Bedouin heritage

Hospitality is at the centre of Jordanian life. Its roots lie in the customs of Bedouin tribes, for whom welcoming a traveller in the desert was a duty and an honour. Traditionally, a guest could stay for several days before being asked the purpose of the visit. Today, this spirit appears when strangers offer directions, shopkeepers serve tea, or families invite visitors to share a meal.

Many Jordanian families trace their origins to Bedouin tribes, and Bedouin culture remains a source of national pride. The black goat-hair tent, called beit al-sha'ar or 'house of hair', the coffee ritual around the fire, poetry recited from memory, and skills such as reading the desert and caring for camels are still valued. In Wadi Rum and the Badia, some communities continue to combine traditional life with modern work, including tourism.

Dress, music and dance

Traditional men's dress includes the thobe, a long robe, and the shmagh, a red and white checked headscarf, held in place by a black cord called an agal. A plain white or black and white headscarf, often called a hattah, is also worn. The red and white shmagh has become a recognised symbol of Jordanian identity. Women's traditional dresses are long and richly embroidered, with patterns and colours that differ from region to region.

Music and dance play a central role at weddings and celebrations. The dabke is a line dance in which dancers link arms and stamp their feet in rhythm, led by a dancer who waves a cloth or string of beads. Traditional instruments include the rababa, a one-stringed Bedouin fiddle, the oud, the reed pipe and drums. Folk songs often praise the land, family and generosity.

Faith and community

Most Jordanians are Muslims, mainly Sunni. The country is also home to long-established Christian communities of several churches, some of which trace their history back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. Mosques and churches stand close to one another in many towns, and the call to prayer is heard five times a day across the country.

Muslims and Christians share many customs, foods and celebrations, and neighbours commonly visit one another on religious holidays to offer greetings. Important places of pilgrimage include the Baptism Site on the River Jordan, Mount Nebo, Tell Mar Elias and the tombs of companions of the Prophet Muhammad in the Jordan Valley and near Karak.

Arts and crafts

Jordan has a long tradition of handmade crafts. In Madaba, artisans continue the art of mosaic, cutting small stones by hand to create pictures and patterns inspired by ancient floors. Near Mukawir, the women of Bani Hamida weave colourful rugs and textiles on traditional looms, using wool from local sheep and natural designs. Embroidered cushions, bags and dresses are made in many towns.

At Petra and in Aqaba, craftspeople fill small glass bottles with layers of naturally coloured sand, forming detailed desert scenes and names without glue. Other crafts include silver jewellery, pottery, olive wood carving and natural soaps made with olive oil. Buying from cooperatives and craft centres helps support local families, especially women in rural areas.

Etiquette for visitors

Jordanians appreciate polite greetings. Shaking hands is common between men; between a man and a woman, it is best to wait and see whether the other person offers a hand first. Use the right hand when eating, giving and receiving. Dress modestly in towns and villages, covering shoulders and knees, and more fully when visiting mosques or churches.

It is polite to accept an offer of tea or coffee, at least for a few sips. Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children, and respect the answer. Public displays of affection are uncommon. Removing shoes before entering a home is common, so watch what your hosts do. A friendly smile and a few words of Arabic are always well received.

Celebrations through the year

The main religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates move earlier by about eleven days each year. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, new clothes, visits and sweets. Eid al-Adha, during the season of the pilgrimage to Mecca, is a time of prayer, family gatherings and sharing meat. The Islamic New Year and the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad are also public holidays.

Christmas is a national public holiday, and in December many towns, malls and hotels are decorated with lights and trees. Easter is celebrated by Christian communities with church services and family meals. Independence Day on 25 May fills the streets with flags and celebrations, and the new year is greeted with gatherings and fireworks in the cities.