Within a few weeks we celebrate Ramadan and Easter. A time of celebrations I enjoyed growing up.
Both celebrations were about preparing for a time to come together.
That involved cleaning the house despite being cleaned regularly. Also, preparing and cooking recipes related to the occasion in quantities that can feed the masses.
Our home was open to welcome family, friends and neighbours to share a meal or in case of flying visit to enjoy the season sweets that we spent days preparing.
Our door was open and we expected visitors over 3 days at least. For those visiting to wish us happy Easter, Eid or Christmas we offered chocolate, bonbons, sugared almonds, Maamoul and Sewa ( walnuts and date stuffed home made pastries) and the obligatory coffee all set in beautiful dishes and trays. Also, we dressed in our best.
Looking back, they were beautiful times when we came together as a community hence no one felt lonely or isolated.
To be honest, in my youth, I didn’t appreciate those traditions as I complained a lot about the hard work put into preparing for those days.
Now, I can see how following those traditions made sure we belonged. One of our most human needs for healthy living.
