Mideast in Pictures: Jirtig, a traditional wedding custom in Sudan

Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2021 shows a traditional wedding ceremony in Khartoum, Sudan. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

KHAETOUM, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Wedding customs vary in Sudan as do the country's cultures and ethnic groupings. However, almost all Sudanese follow one custom: the Jirtig.

Jirtig is an ancient Sudanese tradition associated mostly with wedding ceremonies. During the jirtig ritual, both the bride and groom sit on a brim-embroidered, red-covered wooden bed, surrounded by members of their families who keep singing traditional songs and sending cheers of joy.

Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2021 shows the Jirtig ritual, an ancient Sudanese tradition associated mostly with wedding ceremonies. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2021 shows the Jirtig ritual, an important part of traditional wedding in Sudan. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

Photo taken on Sept. 10, 2021 shows the Jirtig ritual, an ancient Sudanese tradition associated mostly with wedding ceremonies. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) ■