ashtuquajtur

Asthtuqajtur refers to a traditional Albanian folk custom primarily observed in the southern regions of Albania, particularly in areas such as Vlora, Saranda, and the coastal districts of the former Greek-occupied territories (now part of Greece). The term derives from the Albanian words *ashtu* ("like this") and *qajtur* ("crying"), reflecting its origins as a ritualized form of communal lamentation.

The practice typically occurs during funerals, especially for women, and serves as a form of emotional release and communal solidarity. Participants, often female relatives and neighbors, gather to sing mournful songs (*këngë të vdekjes*) accompanied by rhythmic clapping or drumming. These songs often recount the deceased’s life, virtues, and the sorrow of their passing, blending personal grief with broader cultural themes of loss and resilience.

Asthtuqajtur is deeply rooted in the region’s oral tradition and is considered a way to honor the deceased while providing comfort to the bereaved. The ritual also reinforces social bonds, as it involves collective participation and shared storytelling. While its prevalence has declined in modern times due to urbanization and changing funeral customs, it remains a significant cultural practice in rural communities.

The custom is closely tied to Albania’s broader folk traditions, such as *këngët e vdekjes* (songs of death) and *tërheqja* (a form of communal mourning). Like other folk rituals, asthtuqajtur reflects the interplay between individual grief and collective memory, preserving cultural identity through tradition.