Yennayer, the Amazigh new year, is celebrated on 12 January over a family meal, often couscous or a dish of grains and poultry, depending on the region. People dress up, invite guests and take photos. It is not a wedding: the outfit is traditional but comfortable, and it is the perfect occasion to bring out the Kabyle waistcoat. Here are ideas for women, girls and guests.
The Kabyle waistcoat: the piece for Yennayer
A Kabyle-style waistcoat in trimmed velvet, worn open over a modern Kabyle dress or a plain top, says celebration straight away. The midnight blue and the grey go with colourful dresses; the taupe with light dresses. At €59, it is also a Yennayer gift that will be kept.
Embroidered waistcoats & boleros
Kabyle-inspired velvet waistcoat in midnight blue — multicoloured woven trim, silver-tone brooch
€59.00One of a kind
Embroidered waistcoats & boleros
Kabyle-inspired velvet waistcoat in grey — blue & gold woven trim, brooch
€59.00One of a kind
Embroidered waistcoats & boleros
Kabyle-inspired velvet waistcoat in taupe — multicoloured woven trim, silver-tone brooch
€59.00One of a kind
Yennayer jewellery
Keep it light: a necklace of beads and medallions, drop earrings, a ring. The cultured pearl and gold-tone medallion set or the white bead set with drop medallions is enough; the grand wedding sets can wait for another occasion. For those who have the family’s enamelled silver, Yennayer is the day to wear it, with a fibula on the waistcoat. The two go well together, as explained in our article on traditional and modern Kabyle jewellery.
Ceremony jewellery sets
Long cultured pearl necklace with gold-tone links — matching bracelet & earrings
€89.00One of a kind
Ceremony jewellery sets
White bead set with gold-tone drop medallions — necklace, bracelet & earrings
€89.00One of a kind
For girls
A modern Kabyle dress, a waistcoat if her size is available, crochet earrings or a small necklace. Avoid heavy sets.
For guests
A plain dress or a long skirt, a Kabyle waistcoat, a short necklace. If you do not want a traditional outfit, the waistcoat alone over a simple outfit is enough to show respect for the celebration.
Gifts for Yennayer
Yennayer is also a time for gifts in many families. A Kabyle waistcoat, a beaded set, an embroidered clutch : pieces handmade in Paris that leave within 3 working days. Order before 5 January to receive it in time in France; complimentary delivery from €79. Our guide to giving handmade jewellery helps you choose.
Yennayer in practice: the table, the photos, the children
Yennayer is a celebration at home. A generous table is laid, the children are dressed up, and the family is photographed together, sometimes across several generations. So the outfit has to look good in photos and be practical at the table: a Kabyle waistcoat you can open, a short necklace that does not dangle into your plate, earrings that do not pull. Children often wear a simplified traditional outfit; a Kabyle dress and light earrings are enough, and heavy jewellery can wait. For the group photo, coordinate the waistcoat colours among the women of the family: midnight blue and grey complement each other, as do taupe and petrol.
What jewellery means at Yennayer
In many Kabyle families, Yennayer is the day the inherited enamelled silver comes out: the fibula that fastens the waistcoat, wide bracelets, old earrings. Wearing them honours the women who wore them before. A modern set in beads and gold-tone medallions does not replace these pieces; it accompanies them: silver on the waistcoat, beads around the neck. If you have no family silver, a modern set on its own is entirely right; Yennayer is not a competition.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a Kabyle dress for Yennayer?
No. A Kabyle waistcoat over a simple outfit is enough. A modern Kabyle dress is still the loveliest option if you have one.
Which waistcoat colour?
Over a colourful dress, a muted shade (midnight blue, grey, taupe); over a plain dress, petrol or midnight blue becomes the colour.
When should I order to receive it before 12 January?
Before 5 January for France, a few days earlier for Belgium, Spain and Switzerland.
