Manuscripta Orientalia - Manuscripta Orientalia

Abstract. The field experience of the authors shows that the concept of rain as God's mercy (al‑rahma) has become an essential facet of South Arabian oral tradition. The plea for rain can be found in almost every genres of local poetry created in vernacular. Up to present day this verse retains concrete links with ritual practice and plays an important role in social organization of agricultural communities. Rainy clouds and floods, bestowing clemency and transfiguration to barren soil as well as devastation and damage to weak constructions, have become one of the most prolific metaphors in South Arabia.

Keywords:South Arabia, folk poetry, rain prayer, poetic metaphor

DOI: 10.31250/1238-5018-2019-25-2-19-27

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Received by the Editorial Board: 14.05.2019