Adiga Xabza

In Adiga tradition, now practiced less than before, respect is fundamental.
Respect for the elderly is a custom highly emphasized and taken into consideration at every occasion.
It has come to my knowledge, either through close personal observation or word of mouth, that Circassian youth take every measure possible to ensure that their behaviors are harmonious with the wishes of the elderly and regulations of tradition.

I will provide a few examples that should portray what a youngster can and cannot do in the presence of his seniors in age. A young Circassian person does not sit down, if in a gathering, before his elderly do. He or she does not smoke in front of an older person, nor does he or she speak before that person.
When a senior enters the room, all rise to salute him or her and the young offer their seats, taking care not to rest before that person is at ease.

At weddings, the bride and groom would remain standing as long as seniors are dancing in the Jagg. This particular is the “reduced” form of the real custom that states that the bride and groom should remain standing throughout the wedding party. And that in return is a “less extreme” custom, I should say, compared to the one that prohibits the groom from attending the wedding. Chechens still largely abide by that rule.

I was once in the company of a Circassian friend of mine, who was enjoying a hubbly-bubbly, also known as “Argileh”. He suddenly panicked and hid the instrument and all of its components, and I soon discovered that the reason behind this rush of adrenaline was the passing of an older Circassian fellow, an absolute stranger.