When hearing of an upcoming camel beauty contest, Americans will think it is an act at their local comedy club or someone is pulling their leg. For residents of Arab nations, a camel beauty contest is a significant event attended by thousands. The contests began as a tribute to the Bedouin Arabs, indigenous people of the Arabian Peninsula. Bedouin Arabs are desert dwelling people who herd camels, sheep and goats. They are nomads with little interest in owning land. A Bedouin’s greatest possession is their camel, and their bonds with the animals are strong. Camels have been the companions of the Bedouin people just as American cowboys have been kept company by their horses. All parts of the camel are used; camel hair is used for coats and warm blankets, their milk is said to smooth out wrinkles on your face and some use a camel’s urine for shiny soft hair. “Interesting facts about camels,” you say, “but are they really beautiful?”We’ve all heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To a camel lover, beauty is a long wide neck, firm ears, long whiskers, straight strong legs and a shapely hump. The head is the most important feature – it should be large with a shapely nose. The space between the toes is another critical characteristic looked at when judging for beauty.The camel beauty contests take place during the winter months in Arab countries. There can be as many as 5000 camels entered in a contest. Finalists are chosen based on a scoring system. An exquisite head and neck will bring 25 points; upper body 20, wide neck and strong shoulders, 15, and a beautiful rear is worth 10 points. An additional 30 points can be awarded for overall health and for a good space between the toes. Nearly 10 million dollars in cash and prizes are awarded to the triumphant camels’ owners and handlers. Finalists are given cars, cash is given to winners.
|
and if I didn't, then camel I shall… |
