An Empty Promise
Samarkand, Uzbekistan 20012
Why was this dress tied to a mulberry tree and who would do such a thing? Was the bride jilted? Is she so furious that she has proclaimed her shame to her friends and neighbors by flaunting her unworn wedding dress? Is she goading the men of her clan to seek revenge on her lover? Her shame is their shame in these societies and the clan must avenge her honor.
Women in some male dominated societies have power over the men because they can bring shame to them…they can “blacken their face”. Interesting idea, isn’t it? It is common, also, for a man to attribute his bad luck to a woman casting a spell over him. She can make him fall in love with her through her ‘magic’. He must then seek his own soothsayer, but somehow the woman’s magic seems to be more potent.
Although it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words sometimes a thousand words makes a picture worth a second glance. I saw this dress tied to the tree but wasn’t curious and wouldn’t have photographed it except Torie, my friend, found it humorous. I copied her, what can I say? Two photographers standing side by side will have a completely different take on any given subject. I haven’t seen Torie’s. But here’s mine. Plus a lot of maundering.
You, too, can wander the mulberry tree lined neighborhoods of Samarkand. Contact Penelope at www.uzbekjourneys.com