The entry of the star 'Alab' marks the beginning of autumn in Asir

The entry of the star 'Alab' marks the beginning of autumn in Asir

The entry of the star 'Alab' on the sixteenth of July each year marks the beginning of the autumn season in the climatic and agricultural heritage of the Asir region. It coincides with the Nau' al-Han'a and is considered one of the most prominent seasons associated with rain, agriculture, and climate changes. For generations, it has formed a natural calendar that residents followed to organize their agricultural work.

Researcher Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Musa explained that the star 'Alab' is accompanied in many years by dust originating from the lowlands of Tihamah, locally known as 'Ghasmat Alab'. It often coincides with the deepening of the Indian monsoon depression over the southwestern highlands, contributing to the formation of cumulus clouds and summer rainfall.

He added that 'Alab' is the name given by the people of Asir to the star Sirius, while it is known in the Najd region as 'Al-Marzam'. He noted that its appearance is observed in Asir a few days before it appears in Najd, reflecting the difference in star rising times depending on geographical location.

He pointed out that in the past, people used the star 'Alab' to organize their agricultural work. It marks the time to start planting wheat 'Al-Bouni', known to some Asir residents as 'Al-Kharfi' after the autumn season, while others call it 'Al-Qiyad'. During this season, barley planting begins, and corn growth intensifies.

He touched on the residents' documentation of the star through proverbs passed down through generations, such as their saying: 'Alab either [brings] Khalab or Lahab', meaning it is either a rainy season or a very hot one, reflecting their experience in monitoring weather changes and linking them to agricultural seasons.

He drew attention to the fact that this season is also associated with the emergence of some natural phenomena recorded in popular heritage, including the appearance of certain insects, increased sightings of some reptiles, and the fledging of young crows from their nests.