Intangible Cultural Heritage
Al-Mansaf in Jordan, a festive banquet and its social and cultural meanings
AlMansaf is a festive dish that is central to Jordans sociocultural events An important and wellknown symbol that evokes a deep sense of identity and social cohesion it is associated with the agropastoral lifestyle in which meat and dairy are readily available Large chunks of sheep or goat meat are boiled with spices in a yogurt sauce and served with rice or sometimes bulgur over a layer of thin bread The preparation itself is a social event with cooks discussing common concerns telling stories and singing The layers of bread rice and meat are arranged on a platter and garnished with fried desiccated almonds In northern Jordan fried bulgur balls filled with minced meat are also placed around the dish The hosts relatives carry the platters to the reception hall and the guests sit around them with five to seven people around each platter Traditionally the dish is consumed with the right hand while the left is placed behind the back but today some people use dishes and spoons Women generally pass down the recipes and related practices such as milking the goat or sheep to their daughters and granddaughters Culinary institutes and universities also contribute to the dishs transmission
Jordan