High in the mountains, this tradition still has a stronghold.
While flower crowns might usually make you think of Coachella and Lana Del Rey, that’s not always the case. In one corner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they’re a proud tradition, and worn by local men.
The village of Habala, found in the ‘Asir region on the kingdom’s border with Yemen, is home to Saudi Arabia’s flower men.
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These photos show another side of Saudi Arabia
Like the Bulgarian Islamic wedding traditions we spoke about last week, the practise is hundreds of years old and has outlasted extensive change in the area.
The crowns are made from a variety of fresh flowers, leaves and herbs. The kingdom’s mountainous south sees more rainfall than other parts of the country, which is why there are so many flowers at hand.
While the crowns are mainly decorative, they are also traditionally worn to help with headaches and colds.
Several photographers have visited the flower men over the years, however their village is considered one of the most remote parts of Saudi Arabia.
Just looking at these photos, though, shows that marigolds, wild jasmine, and basil are key players in crown-making.
One thing we do know? These decorations, combined with the area’s mountainous terrain, make for extremely striking images.
Like when we spoke to US photographer Leah Schmidt, who spent four years living in the kingdom, we’re reminded that there isn’t just one side to Saudi Arabia.
Habala is a long way from the hyper-modern towers of Riyadh, that’s for sure.
Images: Getty
