HOLIDAYS
Most Syrian holidays and
festivities are related to religion. The dates of Muslim
festivals vary from year to year, since the Islamic
calendar is based on lunar calendar. There are only 354
days in the lunar year, so each year holidays fall 11 days
earlier than they did the previous year.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During
this time Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This is a
time for reflection on spiritual matters. It also shows
devotion to Allah and Mohammed, builds self-discipline and
encourages compassion for those who are less fortunate.
Every evening during Ramadan families come together for the
evening meal (iftar).
Eid al-Fitr is the “breaking of the fast” at the end of
Ramadan. People eat special foods, including sweets, and
many people stay up all night. Muslims visit family members
and most people wear new clothes. Children receive gifts of
money from their relatives. There are rides for children in
the streets and fireworks at night. The celebration is
officially only three days, but if it falls in the middle
of the week, shops and schools may stay closed for the
entire week.
Eid al-Adha lasts four days and is celebrated in almost the
same way as Eid al-Fitr. It comes at the end of the
traditional season of pilgrimage to Mecca and celebrates
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. All
businesses close for this celebration.
Muharram is the beginning of the first month in the Hijara
(lunar) calendar and is the Muslim New Year. This day
commemorates the day on which Mohammed and his followers
left Medina for Mecca. A number of festivals are held
throughout the year. The Palmyra Festival is held in the
desert and features singing and dancing as well as camel
and horse races. In Latakia, a peace festival is held
during the month of August. Each September, an
international folk festival is held in Busra. The festival
continues every night for three weeks and attracts
international folk dance and music groups.
Christian Syrians celebrate Christmas and the Catholic or
Orthodox Easter. There are community celebrations for these
holidays. Although a few decorations appear in store
windows around Christmas time, Christmas lights are still
uncommon in Syria.
Did you know?
Martyrs’ Day commemorates the fight against Ottoman
domination. On May 6, 1916, the Ottomans killed Syrian
patriots who were fighting for independence.
source : Cultural Profiles Project