OK, not really, but can you imagine if the biggest holiday celebrated by you, your family, and whole community in which you live could not be observed as normal. Last Sunday unfolded much differently for many of our neighbors than expected. It was the largest holiday of the year, marking the end of the fasting month.
Commercial transportation had been restricted to limit the traditional “going home” to family for the holiday. The large morning gathering at the local soccer field was cancelled. Going from house to house to visit friends, neighbors, and family and ask for forgiveness of past wrongs was highly discouraged. Even the tradition of children going door to door to receive money from neighbors was restricted.
Amidst the cancelations, restrictions, and discouragements, people still celebrated, though much simpler than usual. Our neighbors still spent the day before preparing wrapped rice and smoked fish. They still dressed up in new or nice clothes the day of. A few even visited their immediate neighbors. Kids were out, enjoying the cookies and treats from neighbors. Otherwise the holiday passed much quieter than usual. Last year we received thirty guests by 9 o’clock in the morning. This year we kept our door closed and did not receive a single guest. It felt very odd and slightly unloving in a culture that is so welcoming with doors always open.
 |
Wrapped Rice
The day prior, I, Erin, took cookies to our immediate neighbors to wish them a happy holiday.
In return, they gifted me with wrapped rice. One third of what I brought home is pictured above!
|
