Beliefs and Ceremonies Related to Holy Trees and Their Social Functions : North - West Jordan

Abstract

The Arid and semi-arid environment seem to have strengthened the relationship between tribal groups and trees, to the degree that certain trees, such as Oak ones, became dieties. The tree which has human name, Sheikh Ali is considered as representative object indicating the super-natural power that affect the daily life of the believers in the studied community. Beliefs and related ceremonies are deeply rooted in these people´s traditions and are to a certain degree still in practice. The ceremonies, however, been exposed to certain cultural modifications. These modifications are results of about 1416 years of Islamic dominance. Regardless of the dramatic changes in the socio-economic basis of life in Jordan, certain tribal communities are still holding such early conceptions and pracitic