“We traded in shrouds, and people stopped dying; we traded in henna, and sorrows multiplied.”
This popular proverb from Jabal Amel reflects the theme of bad luck and misfortune that seems to follow certain individuals. The phrase humorously illustrates how some people are perceived as “cursed,” with their misfortune impacting not just themselves but everyone around them.
When asked about the origins and meaning of this proverb, historian Kassem Hejeij explained:
“This proverb is an example of dark humor that frames a bitter reality in a comedic way. The story goes that a particularly unlucky person decided to trade in shrouds, assuming that death is a constant. However, his bad luck coincided with a period during which no one died, as if death itself took a break to spite him.
After going bankrupt, he borrowed money and decided to pivot his business to something associated with joy rather than sorrow—henna, a staple of weddings and celebrations. Yet again, his misfortune turned the tides, as the regions around him fell into mourning and funerals, leaving his henna trade in ruins and him bankrupt once more.”
Cultural and Religious Shift in Perceptions of Luck
Hejeij added:
“While the proverb is humorous, the concept of attributing misfortune to specific people or events—what is called tiyara (superstition)—has significantly diminished in the region.
With the rise of education and the spread of religious understanding, people have come to believe that everything is in God’s hands. The idea of ‘luck’ or ‘curse’ has been largely replaced by the belief that life is a test and that hardships are part of this trial. This shift in mindset, driven by both secular and religious education, has helped people adopt a more rational and faith-based perspective on life’s challenges.”
