I was at a friend's son's communion party recently (Iraqi Syriacs), and although most of the music was Arabic and English, they did play some Assyrian songs, and the crowd absolutely loved it.
Sitting at one of the main central tables were two priests from the Syriac Catholic Church to which this family belonged. As the Assyrian song started to play and the khiga began warming up (the song was "Barwar Barwar" by Juliana Jendo), I noticed the younger priest talking to the older priest while looking at the khiga with a smile and anticipation. I thought I had a good idea of what he wanted to do, but given his stature, I wasn’t sure if it would happen. But seconds later, what I expected did happen: he got up and started dancing. In fact, he took the lead role (Rishit Khiga)!
It was a strange yet beautiful sight to see: we are not used to, nor have we ever seen, a priest dancing Assyrian dances, but this man did. It was less a reflection of him breaking norms and more a testament to how popular and beloved Assyrian dancing is. So much so that it breaks societal barriers, allowing even a priest to join in. In a sense, it can be seen as more than just a dance—it's a cultural tradition and reflection.
ASHOOR
Sitting at one of the main central tables were two priests from the Syriac Catholic Church to which this family belonged. As the Assyrian song started to play and the khiga began warming up (the song was "Barwar Barwar" by Juliana Jendo), I noticed the younger priest talking to the older priest while looking at the khiga with a smile and anticipation. I thought I had a good idea of what he wanted to do, but given his stature, I wasn’t sure if it would happen. But seconds later, what I expected did happen: he got up and started dancing. In fact, he took the lead role (Rishit Khiga)!
It was a strange yet beautiful sight to see: we are not used to, nor have we ever seen, a priest dancing Assyrian dances, but this man did. It was less a reflection of him breaking norms and more a testament to how popular and beloved Assyrian dancing is. So much so that it breaks societal barriers, allowing even a priest to join in. In a sense, it can be seen as more than just a dance—it's a cultural tradition and reflection.
ASHOOR