Is the Song of Songs like a Zajal/Ghazal

In Arabic culture today there is a tradition called a Zajal. A Zajal is a semi-improvised and semi-sung verbal contest or debate between two or more zajjalin (improvisational poets). Such contests are often performed at weddings, accompanied by drums, tambourines, flutes, and other instruments as well as a chorus of men or women (Reddadi) who sing choruses or call-and-response sections.

The specific Zajal tradition is said to have originated in Andalus around the mid 4th century, but I wonder if the general format may have more ancient roots in the Middle East. The genre is still lively today in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. These are all areas mentioned in the Song of Songs (Lebanon, 4:15; Jerusalem and Tirzah, 6:4; Gilead, 4:1).

At a Zajal, the debate or verbal duel between the zajjalin is followed by a recitation of love poetry called Ghazal. The Ghazal is a type of amorous poetry which includes central themes of love, desire, and beauty as well as the pain of loss or separation from one's paramour, themes similar to the Song of Songs. The Ghazal tradition is renowned for its ambiguity and double entendre. Learning the common tropes such as the garden, birds and flowers, etc. is the key to appreciating the song's meaning.

The scant evidence that there is for wedding traditions in early Iron Age Israel/Canaan suggests that there was music at weddings, intended to gain divine blessing for the marriage and to ensure the couple had healthy children. Although there is no external evidence to suggest that there were any type of oral competition/debate at weddings, once I discovered this musical art form, I became convinced that the Song of Songs was very similar to a wedding Zajal improvised poem for the amusement of their guests. That is therefore how I have portrayed the book in the comic.

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