Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Cookie Day...formally known as the Eid

The Eid (celebration) comes at the end of Ramadan and is marked by several traditions, such as giving presents to family members and taking cookies to relatives and close friends. Hence the name "cookie day." Because visitors might come at any time throughout the day, most women stay at home to avoid missing their guests. And when the guests come, they are served cookies and mint tea.

It was with this in mind that I headed out to visit friends yesterday morning. On the way to one of my friend's homes, I was astounded to see how many people were making their way to the mosque for morning prayer. As I looked down the street I saw a seemingly endless river of people...all flowing in one direction.
It was wonderful to spend time with friends on this day that is so important to them. We had our cookies and tea, but best of all, we had a great time together.

5 comments:

Jed Carosaari said...

Reminds me of when me, Mary, and Tasha were in Shufshowen at the end of 'id al Ftur. Early in the morning I heard a crowd of men coming up the alley, 3 or 4 abreast, chanting "la illaha illa allah" over and over. No accompaniment; just their voices, on the way to the mosque. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.

E.T. said...

Hi, Abdul Muhib!

Anonymous said...

Is "C" still for cookie, even in Arabic?

E.T. said...

No. lol! H is for Helweh (anything sweet).

Anonymous said...

That's good enough for me.