Mirë se erdhëtWhere we came from
Albanian traditions
Albanians are usually seen as descendants of the ancient Illyrians, though scholars still debate it. What we know for sure is what we kept: besa, the word given; bread, salt and heart for every guest; songs sung over a drone; the white plis; the henna night and the wedding valle; and 14 March in Elbasan. Each page below says what is verified, what is unknown, and links the source.
Updated
Where we came from
The Illyrians and Albanian origins
The most widely held view, what is still debated, and the ancient sites you can visit.
Honour and the word given
Besa and the Kanun: the Albanian code of honour
Besa, the Jews sheltered in WWII, and what the old customary law really said.
What we wore
Albanian traditional dress: xhubleta and plis
The xhubleta, the white plis, and regional costumes.
How we sang
Albanian folk music: iso-polyphony, lahuta, çifteli
Iso-polyphony, the lahuta and epic songs, and the çifteli.
Spring at home
Dita e Verës: Summer Day, 14 March
The 14 March festival and the ballokume of Elbasan.
How we welcome you
Albanian hospitality: oda, coffee, bread and salt
Bread, salt and heart, the oda, and coffee for the guest.
How we marry
Albanian wedding traditions and bride customs
Bride customs, the henna night, the wedding week day by day, and how to join the valle.
On Instagram
Albanian traditions in pictures
Follow Beatrika's Instagram, @traditat_shqiptaree, where she shares photos of Albanian traditions.
More from home
About the photos: for now these are free-licensed photos from Wikimedia Commons, each credited under the picture. Our own photos from home will replace them as we take them.
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