Stories My Father Told Me, by Helen Zughaib Click next to see each progressive piece of art in the collection.

The Walk to the Water Fountain (Mishwar 'Al El-'Ayn) In the old days, the only water supply for the village was the communal water fountain. Young women (the Sabaya) walked to the fountain at sunset, balancing large colorful water jugs (jarra) on their heads. This walk to get water had become, over time, a much anticipated social event known as the "mishwar." At the fountain the Sabaya would show off their fine dresses, chat and gossip. The young men of the village (Shabbab) would also go to the fountain at the same time to watch and innocently flirt with the young women. Occasionally a young man or woman would must enough courage to say a word or two to a special person. In time the mishwar became an accepted custom, as the young people in the village would take walks in the late afternoon, whether they has running water in their homes or not. The sabaya and shabbab would meet, admire each other and flirt from a safe distance.