A Cultural Approach on Ghame-Zani among Khomeini Shahr Citizens

Abstract

In order to give an explanation of "Ghame-Zani" in Khmoeini Shahr city of Isfahan province, the present study is dealt with the role of cultural factors effective in "Ghame-Zani". The statistical population is included in the inhabitants of Khomeini Shahr ("Ghame-zani" participants, spectators and crowds of people). Amongst them 411 people were selected as a sample size of 69.8% males and 30.2% females, respectively. The methodology was survey research and the quota sampling method was applied as it is sensitive to the selection of studied group. Exploring the said statistical population on the basis of the prepared questionnaire led to some conclusions some of which are set forth as follows: Although there are some women attending "Ghame-Zani" in Khomeini Shahr, the frequency of "Ghame-Zani" is greater in men than women; there was no significant difference in "Ghame-Zani" among the single and the married individuals; the employed are more involved in "Ghame-Zani" rather than the unemployed; the people with an education level of below high school studies participate in "Ghame-Zani" more frequently than those with higher education; the frequency of "Ghame-Zani" in Foroushan parish in Khomeini Shahr is the highest and in Varnosfaderan parish the lowest, respectively; income rate has no impact on "Ghame-Zani" among the studied population. In addition, among the several incentives for "Ghame-Zani" the most important ones are concerned with culture; i.e. commemorating the sad events of "Ashura", respect for elders and ancestors, fulfillment of "Nazr-o-Niaz" (spiritual vows and oblations), consolidation and continuation of the culture of mourning and so forth.

Keywords

• cultural incentive
• ghame-zani
• mourning
• social incentive