At the beginning of Ramadan we explored some of the traditions practiced in countries around the world. With the end of Ramadan now fast approaching (is it nearly 30 days already!) we decided to take a look at how Eid is celebrated too.

Eid-al-Fitr is often referred to as the Sugar Feast in many countries. Sweet treats are something we know a lot about here at Raphia and if you haven’t already do take a look at our Eid Gfiting Collection for 2023.

During Eid, one of the most usual things you’ll hear people saying to another is “Eid Mubarak!” Which means “blessed Eid” and is a way of expressing celebration. You may also hear “Eid sa'id” which means “happy Eid”.

Other countries have different greetings. In Nigeria you’ll hear people saying “Ballah da Sallah”, which is the Hausa for happy Eid. In Malaysia, Eid is called Hare Rama, so to wish someone a happy Eid, you would say “Selimat Hari Raya”.

There’s a particularly quirky tradition we came across. In Afghanistan a popular Eid activity is to paint hard-boiled eggs and have a food fight with them, in what is known as Tokhm-Jangi. All get involved and the aim is to break your opponent’s egg while keeping yours in one piece.

In our home country we prefer tea drinking to an egg fight. During Eid in Morocco traditional costumes are worn by men and women and pancakes are typically eaten for breakfast, along with mint tea. Raphia’s mint tea, of course!

In Turkey, people show an extra sign of respect to the elderly throughout Eid—they kiss their right hand when they meet. Whereas in Indonesia, many Muslims visit the graves of their family members and clean the grave sites during the holiday.

Eid is incomplete without Mehndi in Pakistan. Since ancient times buying bangles and henna is part of a long tradition of beautification and adornment in the Indian Subcontinent and beyond. Wearing henna and special bangles go hand in-hand with times of togetherness and celebration.

In Saudi Arabia the country is extravagantly decorated and families and friends get together for special Eid food. Before the food is served, kids of the families stand in front of every adult member of the family who gives Riyals to them. One more unique tradition about Eid in Saudi is that locals leave huge quantities of rice and other products anonymously at the gate of the less fortunate.

Emiratis celebrate with a local dish called Ouzi that is prepared exclusively for Eid. It’s a slow cooked dish of succulent goat meat mixed with rice and garnished with fried pine nuts. Also, the country organises spectacular cultural events and shows like decorated theme parks and magic and dance shows. Then entire UAE has hundreds of celebrations during the festive period.

Regardless of the country, Eid is a time when families get together to celebrate.
Zineb and the team at Raphia send our love and thanks for your continued support.
We wish Eid Mubarak to you all. xx

Also, Explore - The Sweet and Nutritious Date—Rooted in Time and Tradition