The Recitation of Alouk and its Applications in the Celebration of Festivals in Sistân
Aloukeh, in the Sistâni dialect, refers to wedding songs performed during marriage ceremonies. These songs have roots that trace back to the existence of humanity in this region and reflect the cultural richness and ancient civilization of this area. Additionally, Aloukeh is also prevalent in religious, romantic, and historical themes in Sistân. This article is dedicated solely to examining aloukeh-reading and its applications in wedding ceremonies. The current research has been conducted through interviews with multiple speakers and the use of library resources. This research examines the concept of "Alokhe," its etymology, historical background, performers, performance methods, and its various forms. It illustrates how dedicated the people of Sistân are to performing wedding rituals using their local dialect and the significance of this practice in their culture. Additionally, the comparison of celebratory songs from Sistân with similar examples from other regions in Iran highlights the fundamental role that poetic performance with melody plays in the indigenous and local customs of Iranian ethnic groups. On the other hand, this article examines the structural characteristics of various types of Aloukeh, including aspects such as weight, meter and rhyme, form, language, content, and literary elements. The abundance of songs and melodies for experiencing every moment of joy reflects the collective vitality and spirit of the people in this region. Their complete enjoyment of happiness and joy indicates the significance of celebrating one of the most fundamental aspects of life.