Saudi Arabia | Celebrating the rainy season: White Matariyah meal in Hail

Arab Weather - The Hail region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is famous for a distinctive custom when welcoming the rainy season, as its residents celebrate by serving the white "Matariyah" meal, which is a traditional meal consisting of white rice mixed with ghee, as an expression of joy and gratitude for the rainfall, and to consolidate the authentic inherited customs in welcoming goodness.

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Mataria Meal History: Over 60 Years of Heritage

Ms. Shamaa Al-Saqri, a woman from Hail, explains that the “Al-Matariyah” meal has roots that go back more than 60 years. When their ancestors watched the rain fall, they would prepare white rice and add quantities of wild ghee in the middle. As livelihood and goodness increased, the meal evolved to include the meat of the sacrifice, and yogurt is served alongside it, in a ritual that reflects the warm welcome of the rain.

"Al-Raseesi", the distinctive rice of Mataria and an invitation to the villagers

Al-Saqri refers to a special type of rice called “Raseesi” that is grown in Hail and is preferred for preparing this meal. All the villagers are invited to participate in eating “Matariyah” which is considered to be white and pure and becomes a symbol of celebrating the arrival of the “Wasm” season for both the Bedouins and the city dwellers, as anyone in the village can prepare it and share it with others.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Rashidan describes “Al-Matariyah” as a meal that brings the people of Hail together and revives the spirit of brotherhood and harmony among them with the arrival of heavy rains. Al-Rashidan has maintained this beautiful custom for more than 15 years, saying:

“As soon as it starts to rain, we start preparing this meal for all the neighbors and relatives, for fear that this tradition, which strengthens social ties among members of the community, will disappear.”

Annual ritual to celebrate the blessing of rain

Thus, the “Matariyah” meal has become part of the annual rituals of the people of Hail, bringing them together at one table, in a scene that symbolizes the joy of the blessings of rain and enhances the traditions of generosity and familiarity among members of society, so that this tradition remains alive in the memory of generations of the region.

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