The Rites of the “Barboura”

A ceremony held on the eve of the wedding, during which the groom’s procession circles the sacred olive tree for a blessing. In popular imagery, the olive tree symbolizes prosperity, peace, fertility, and above all, protection against evil forces and bad luck.

Preceded by musicians (sequence 3) and players of the “Zgara” (a sword duel, sequence 4), the procession (sequence 2)—consisting of the groom and two women representing two generations (the young and the old as a sign of continuity)—advances by walking on a mat that a man promptly lifts after their passage to place it again under their feet (sequence 1). The mat symbolizes the long carpet meant to unite the home with the olive tree, man with nature.

Upon reaching the base of the tree, the procession makes three circles. Then, the young groom, holding a branch torn from the sacred olive tree—which will later be affixed to the door of the bridal chamber—approaches a relative who ties his two legs together with a red ribbon.

Next, in front of the attendees, the ribbon is cut. This act has a precise meaning: it symbolizes the groom’s definitive emancipation from paternal authority.