What is the story of Saoudat and what is the relationship of Shepherd Saad to it?

Weather of Arabia - The popular Arab heritage constitutes an important part of the history and culture of the Arabs, as it is reflected in the customs, traditions, and values that extend for centuries. The popular heritage expresses the identity of the Arab peoples and their cultural distinction, and reflects their experiences and transformations throughout the ages.

While every incident or occasion in folklore is linked to a story or proverb that people circulate across generations, and in the context of events and occasions, the winter season is diverse with a group of stories and proverbs, among which the story of “The Fifty Years of Winter and Saudat” stands out.

Days such as Sa'd al-Dhabih, Sa'd al-Khabaya, Sa'd al-Saud, Sa'd "Ibala" or al-Bil'a , have always been familiar to people. However, few people know the full and appropriate story that led to these days of winter being given these special names.

What is the story of Saoudat and what is the relationship of Shepherd Saad to it?

Folklore has circulated a famous story that tells the story of a young man named “Saad,” and the weather was warm when he decided to go out during the winter. Despite his father’s warning, who advised him to carry heating supplies such as furs or firewood, Saad refused to listen to that advice.

While Saad was halfway there, the conditions changed suddenly, as the weather changed, and snow and heavy rain fell, and he found himself forced to slaughter his camel to protect her insides from the bitter cold, and so he called that period “Saad the Slayer.”

Days after the storm, Saad's hunger became severe, and he had no choice but to eat camel meat to survive, hence the name of the next period, "Saad Ibala," which extended from February 13 to February 25.

When the storm ended and the rays of the sun appeared, Saad celebrated his survival, and the subsequent period was called “Saad Al-Saud,” which extends from February 26 to March 10. Saad then decided to prepare a coat from the camel’s hair and hide the rest of its meat. Therefore, this period was called the “Saad al-Khabaya” period, which extends from March 10 to March 22 , and coincides with the beginning of the spring equinox.

It is noted that the “Pentecost of Winter and Sukkot” consists of fifty days, extending from January 30 to March 22, and whether this story is true or not, it remains part of our ancient folk heritage that carries wisdom, lessons, and many stories that vary over the years.

Read also:

When does the winter Pentecost start? What is the Saudization period?

The story of the Pentecost of Winter and “Saudi Arabia” according to folklore

Sources:

arabiaweather