Dania Hayb Reveals Childhood Memories of Druze Reincarnation in Fashion Graduation Project

Dania Hayb, a 23-year-old Druze fashion graduate from the University of Haifa, recounts vivid memories from her childhood that she attributes to reincarnation, a core belief in the Druze faith. At age three, while sitting with her mother in their home in the Druze village of Yarka in the Western Galilee, a Lebanese song triggered memories of a past life in Bashari al-Khamra, Lebanon. She began speaking about places and people unknown to her family, which she later understood as evidence of her soul's previous incarnation.

According to Druze belief, souls immediately reincarnate into newborn Druze children, continuing a cycle through generations. Hayb's past life was that of Jalaa al-Sayed Ahmad, a wealthy Druze woman from Beirut who died in a car accident in her early 40s. Hayb's mother was familiar with such experiences, having witnessed similar memories in her brother, believed to have been a Syrian pilot in a past life.

Hayb incorporated these experiences into her graduation project "Notoki" (My Reincarnation), blending childhood photos with fashion elements inspired by her past life’s Lebanese style, including elegant suits and traditional Druze clothing details. She aims to create modest, everyday fashion for women of all faiths under her brand DAN2, combining Druze embroidery with vintage influences.

Despite skepticism from some university faculty, Hayb emphasizes respect for Druze beliefs and hopes her story fosters understanding. Living near the Lebanon border, she feels deeply connected to both Israeli and Lebanese realities amid ongoing conflict. She identifies as a secular yet modest woman, balancing tradition with contemporary fashion.

Hayb’s project and personal narrative highlight the intersection of cultural identity, spirituality, and creative expression within the Druze community.