Editing Somaliland (section)

=== Arts ===
{{Main|Somali art}}
[[File:Hadrawi.jpg|thumb|135px|left|[[Hadrawi]], a prominent Somali poet and songwriter]]

[[Islam]] and poetry have been described as the twin pillars of Somali culture. Somali poetry is mainly oral, with both male and female poets. They use things that are common in the Somali language as metaphors. Almost all Somalis are [[Sunni Muslim]]s and Islam is vitally important to the Somali sense of [[national identity]]. Most Somalis do not belong to a specific mosque or sect and can pray in any mosque they find.<ref name="somarel" />

Celebrations come in the form of religious festivities. Two of the most important are [[Eid ul-Adha]] and [[Eid ul-Fitr]], which marks the end of the fasting month. Families get dressed up to visit one another, and money is donated to the poor. Other holidays include 26 June and 18 May, which celebrate British Somaliland's independence and the Somaliland region's establishment, respectively; the latter, however, is not recognised by the international community.<ref name="nbKjg">{{cite web|url=https://somalilandlaw.com/Official_Public_Holidays.pdf|title=Official Public Holidays – Somaliland Law ›|language=en|access-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820112428/http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Official_Public_Holidays.pdf|archive-date=20 August 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Henna for hair.jpg|thumb|right|[[Henna]] powder is mixed with water and then applied on the hair.]]

In the [[nomad]]ic culture, where one's possessions are frequently moved, there is little reason for the [[plastic arts]] to be highly developed. Somalis embellish and decorate their woven and wooden milk jugs (''haamo''; the most decorative jugs are made in [[Ceerigaabo]]) as well as wooden headrests.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} Traditional dance is also important, though mainly as a form of courtship among young people. One such dance known as ''Ciyaar Soomaali'' is a local favourite.<ref name="2cpce">{{cite web|url=https://www.horndiplomat.com/2018/06/30/reviving-somali-culture-through-folk-dances/|title=Reviving Somali Culture through Folk Dances|date=30 June 2018|language=en|access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>

An important form of art in Somali culture is [[henna]] art. The custom of applying henna dates back to antiquity. During special occasions, a Somali woman's hands and feet are expected to be covered in decorative [[mendhi]]. Girls and women usually apply or decorate their hands and feet in henna on festive celebrations like [[Muslim holidays|Eid]] or weddings. The henna designs vary from very simple to highly intricate. Somali designs vary, with some more modern and simple while others are traditional and intricate. Traditionally, only women apply it as [[body art]], as it is considered a feminine custom. Henna is not only applied on the hands and feet but is also used as a [[dye]]. Somali men and women alike use henna as a dye to change their hair colour. Women are free to apply henna on their hair as most of the time they are wearing a [[hijab]].<ref name="YjLlr">{{cite web|url=http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&cl=CL1.180&d=HASHc6a2e25764a7dc0163f0f5.3.6&gt=1|title=Somali women at heart of henna business – NGO henna project in Somalia|language=en|access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2021}}