There is not that much that lights up your life living in Gaza. Being invited to one of my friends the husband asked me upon arriving about my husband (who is currently working in Sweden) "How is he? Is he ok?". I was silent for a few seconds, then I said "No!". We couldn't help but laugh, being aware of our difficult situation. Then he said, more serious "You know, it was a long time since I heard of someone who is ok...". This is life living in Gaza.
Even though Eid really isn't that much different from every other day it still gives an long needed opportunity for joy. The house is prepared by cleaning (even the walls are being washed) and re-decorated. At this time of year it was also the perfect opportunity to bring out the beautiful carpets as the winter is arriving. New colourful table-cloths are displayed. Everyone wears new clothes for Eid, even new shoes and handbags and jewellery (not the real stuff though).
On the first day there is Eid prayers in the mosque to be attended. In Sweden that is a family event, but here it is a male event (at least in my family). Eid is spent with family and friends, you visit your neighbours to wish them a happy Eid. The day before Eid they bake ma'moul, a date cookie, that is served when guests arrive along with coffea or tea. They talk, listen to music and dance. The children are given some money. People go to restaurants to eat. Walk the crowded streets. They say "al dunya Eid!", meaning something like "It's Eid out there!".
We've laughed and had a good time. I haven't seen people that joyful and happy since I arrived to Gaza.
4 comments:
Imaan, that is such a lovely set of photos. Thanks so much for putting them up. I particularly love the sweets, the faces of the women and the gorgeous images of the little girls ecstatically whooshing down the slide and enjoying eating and celebrating in their best clothes. It really does give that sense of hey, it's Eid out there. On Eid afternoon, I was in our local shopping mall, Brent Cross, which attracts huge numbers of local Muslim, Hindu and Jewish families. I could see so many of the Eid celebraters by the women's beautiful red and gold clothes, and then there were pairs of girls hanging out eating the fanciest ice creams, so glad of a day off school....
Your posts are a way of celebrating too. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Why why why all the pictures of yummy food that I can't have??!!!??
Wonderful pictures! Eid Mubarak.
Salaam Imaan!
Thanks for photos,so happy to see them.It looks like here in our mochajam.What about the Syrian tv serie,what was the namne,i asked you before...At one of the photo a woman is having an Palestinian folklore scarf,i want one of this but cant find them here,can you ask how much it coast.........please love them!
Johanna
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