Marwa Alalawi

Eids are important religious holidays for Muslims, and times when families gather together. There are two Eids that Muslims observe in a year. The first is called Eid al-Fitr, or the festival of breaking the fast. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated to commence the Holy Month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The other is Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham and Prophet Ismaeel and coincides with Hajj, or the Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca.

During the two Eids, it is part of the custom for families to wear their best attire and have a big feast. Often, children receive money, as in the case in Bahrain. Just as American children trick or treat during Halloween for candy, children in Bahrain receive money, called Ediya, not only from their parents and family members but also from their neighbors, as they travel from house to house singing traditional Eid songs.

My Favorite Holiday

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