الشعبونية : ماهيتها و وظيفتها الاجتماعية

Abstract EN

"Asha’boneh” which is a term derived from the month Sha’ban , the seventh month in Al-Hijri calendar) is one of the social customs that distinguished Nablus from the other Palestinian cities and made sure to preserve it over the years.

Although there is no commonly approved definition for “Asha’boneh”, yet it is a custom which was practiced by the citizens of Nablus during the month of Sha’ban since the Ottoman Rule.

It is usually practiced by the head of the family or who is on his behalf who invites his female relatives like sisters, daughters and cousins especially those married to men from other families along with their young children to stay at his house for a period of three to seven days to celebrate the coming of Sha’ban in the traditional way.

During this period delicious types of food and desserts especially the famous Palestinian dessert (Kunafa) are prepared in addition to the famous “Sheesheh”.

Nightly parties and family fun gatherings are made in an atmosphere of joy and merriment.

In this study, the researcher tried to shed light on the history and significance of this social custom in addition to its relation to social family roles and to the position of those who try to continue practicing it in the society of Nablus.

He also tried to identify the social function of this custom especially its role in maintaining family ties and relations as well as its role in providing a chance for the choice of a bride .

The study also discussed.