The "Madraha", that swing which carries within it the essence of longing and waiting, is more than just a game or ceremonial ritual in Yemeni culture; it is a means by which the Yemeni community expresses its deepest feelings of loyalty, solidarity, and reverence. It was never just a swing swaying in the open space of a courtyard or public square; it was a sacred symbol that swayed between the heavens and the earth, embracing hopes and reviving memories. Every year, with the approach of the Hajj season, hearts begin to race toward those moments when the Madraha is set up in the courtyard of a home or in the village square. There, family members, neighbors, and friends come together with love and cooperation to create this unique celebration, one that stretches across time and place. They hang the swing made of sturdy ropes or chains, and on it, they drape the clothing of the pilgrim whether it be a robe, a headscarf, or any item that symbolizes farewell and a wish for safety. And then, the magical moments begin to unfold, as family and friends sing hymns filled with love and yearning, their voices harmonizing with the beat of drums and the rhythm of feet dancing in joyful sorrow. These hymns, born from the Sanaani chants, speak of various emotions: the pilgrim’s departure filled with hope, the family’s yearning for a return that hasn’t yet come, and the longed-for reunion that brings tears of joy and relief. The Madraha is a constantly renewed poem written every year with the hearts of the loved ones. It is a song of prayers and longing, calling for the pilgrim’s safety and singing of every absence. The swing, swaying in space between nostalgia and hope, is nothing but a vivid depiction of the long wait that has lasted for centuries. In the past, the Hajj journey took many months, and sometimes the pilgrim would never return, leaving families and villages to live on hope alone. For over 1200 years, the Madraha has remained the queen of rituals in Yemen, deeply rooted in the collective memory from one generation to the next. It was never just a farewell custom; it symbolized the hope for safety and return. Every time they raised their hands in prayer, they were lifting their spirits to the heavens, awaiting an answer. In the heart of Old Sana'a, and within the hearts of all Yemenis, this tradition remains alive. Even if some of its outward manifestations have faded in the city, the scent of incense, the sound of hymns, and the glow of torches that light up the dark nights continue to fill the air in people’s hearts. It is a call to wait, a celebration of safety, and a promise of loyalty. The Madraha is not just a swing; it is a testament to love that never dies, a hope that never ceases, and a dream of return with every passing moment of waiting. It is the story that never ends, a story written by fate between the light of torches and the beat of drums, between the hope of reunion and the tears that fall in joy upon the return of the pilgrim, as the Madraha stands as a witness to their return.. bearing with it the fragrance of the holy places, and filling the days with memories and experiences that will never be forgotten. see more here: 1- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=12q0uE1fXjA 2- https://www.aljazeera.net/gallery/2023/6/26/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D9%85%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D8%A8%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AC
