Friday, November 12, 2004

Eid traditions in Iraq.

We will celebrate Eid Al-Futur either on Saturday or Sunday, that depends on whether the moon will be seen on Friday or not.
Eid is the calibration of ending Ramadan. It lasts for three days. in this post I’m going to talk a bout the preparation before it and what we usually do in Eid.
Well, before it, we usually buy new clothes especially for children. Every parents start to buy new clothes, shoes, etc... for their children. So it is very busy in the markets now a days. Women start to prepare KULAIJA which is something every house in Iraq should have in Eid. KULAIJA is kind of dough filled with either dates or
nuts with sugar. it is very delicious and is usually served in Eid with tea or juice. Also women start to prepare other kinds of pastry to serve to the guests. Children await Eid Eagerly, because the parents usually give them presents and candies, also the close relatives usually gives money to children (we call it EIDIYA) so the children can do what ever they want with their money.
As for my daughter we took her to the markets and bought her some clothes and the accessories but we are still thinking what shall we buy her as a present. she have many toys and I’m still wondering what shall we buy her. We bought her many candies with toys inside them. The problem is that we bough the clothes two weeks ago thinking that the weather will be cold on Eid, but the weather is still hot!!
Now let’s get back to the EID itself. We usually spend the first day of Eid in my husbands family house were his brother and sisters gather with their families, It’s very crowdie because they are a big family and with so many children you will sure have a headache. At afternoon many relatives come to see my father in law because he is the oldest in the family (he is 83 years old). Usually the younger one come and visit the older of the same family and friends. In our traditions we should visit all our relatives and friends in Eid and whish them a happy Eid.
We usually spend the second day of Eid in my parents house and visit my uncles.
One the third day of Eid we either visit some friends or we welcome them in our house. We sometimes receive more than 30 people in the same day, so they are tiring days for us.

I will end this topic quicly because I want to tell you about a very Important subject that had been neglected in many news stations.
Mousle had been almost fallen in the hand of armed insurgents. there is NO presence for police or the national Guard, and not even the American army. My sister lives there. The police station near them has been taken and burned. She said that there are many fighters carrying RPG and other weapons in their street and no one could do anything. My sister in law lives in Mosul too. She said we see many armed fighters but no one there to stop them. there are battles from time to time but it seems that the fighters are handling the situation not the government.
The house of Mosul governor was also burned. Some lootings happened in some places there too.
My sister was terrified to death, she said the fighters are shooting some rockets near her house and she was afraid that the American will shoot them and her house and she did not know what to do.

I’m not feeling well and I was very depressed the last couple of days. I did not have the spirit of Eid which usually makes us feel happy and waiting for it to come. I hardly went to the markets, I just went there for the sake of my daughter.
The electricity is very bad since the last few days till now. We have two hours of electricity for every 10 hours break, We don’t know why, the consumption is very little because the weather is very good, but there is no one to tell us why. Our generator is not working, the inverter is not working too and finally our local generator is working but the owner could not operate it more than 3 or 4 consecutive hours and then give it a rest for few hours. There is a problem with the Fuel too, and I think It will be a problem for the local generator too. My husband took our generator to a service center and the inverter too, I hope we will have them soon.
We also did not have water yesterday for more than 12 hours. We now have a curfew starting at 10pm till 4am. I’m really afraid from the unknown, and this makes me really nervous and depressed in the same time, I even took some valume the last few days because I think I will have a nervous break down soon. I think we deserve to live a better life than this, but I don’t know how? I just want to live a day without hearing bombs or shots, without hearing some people being killed or kidnapped, without being afraid form the future of ours and my daughter’s, is that too much to ask?
sorry for being so depressed, but this is the only way for me to express my feelings, and you are the only persons that gives me hope for the future, and your words make me stand this.
HAPPY Eid to you all, and may peace come to all around the world.

PS the national TV announced that the first day of EID will be on Sunday.


24 Comments:

Blogger Grizzly Mama said...

Hi Rose. Thanks again so much for commenting on your feelings and life. Things sound terrible there - and we are getting the same kind of news here in the US - lots of problems. I had heard that Mosul was in bad shape - and that the Peshmerga were fighting the terrorists but no ING or IP to be found. It seems the ING and IP don't have heavy duty firepower yet - the Pesh have many heavy guns etc...They(the Pesh) killed a bunch of terrorists and when they ran the Pesh chased them down and captured some and killed some. From what I understand there is sabotage occurring that is affecting the electricity and gas supplies. Many terrorists escaped from Fallujah and are trying to get to Syria and other places wreaking havoc as they go. That is the news I heard whether it is accurate or not I don't know. It is understandable that you are depressed especially during a time that is traditionally happy for you. I have been through some Christmas seasons recently with no money and almost losing the house, broken down cars and I have to be FRIGGING MERRY - ha - gotta do it for the kids and although my situation and fears have never hit the decible that your situation is at now - please understand that you don't have to feel happy with all that is happening around you at this time. Keep it together as much as you have to so that your little girl feels as safe as possible. I pray for you and Iraq and I am sorry that things are so terrifying right now. Keep yourselves as safe as you can - we are behind you 100% and if I could I would come there with my guns and defend you myself that is how I feel for your situation. God Bless you and your family - and your country.

10:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

from John

Thank you for your interesting post about EID. It sounds very like Christmas here. Families get together and exchange gifts - I remember my father and a friend used to very seriously give each other identical tubes of shaving cream every Christmas. You seem to manage it rather better, our family get-togethers often ended up with someone going away offended about something.
Best Christmas I remember is when we bought our five-year-old daughter a bicycle. In the morning she came exploding out of her bedroom as usual, ran right past it, then put on her brakes and did the most perfect "double take" I have ever seen.
The old tradition of course was that all presents were wrapped up and put under the Christmas tree, addressed to the recipient. The children used to have such fun feeling and shaking their parcels, trying to guess what was inside.
I always got socks or handkerchiefs.

Your Blog is wonderful in reminding us how people try to keep the good things in life going even when their country is being torn apart. It is so sad to hear Iraqis saying "Bring back Saddam, even he was better than the Americans." The tragic thing is that most of the Americans mean well, they are just clumsy and arrogant. "Don’t worry, Rose, it will all be worth while when you have Freedom and Democracy, which you are too primitive to understand at present, but we will teach it to you. Sorry about your sister in Mosul."

What rubbish.

4:46 AM  
Blogger Mad Canuck said...

Hi Rose,

Your description of Eid sounds very nice - very similar to what we do here for Christmas. People decorate their houses with lights and put up a Christmas tree, and on Christmas day exchange gifts, visit family, and usually cook a special meal.

I've been worried about Mosul too. The news media over here have been covering the violence in Mosul (that's how you know it's bad, I'd never heard them mention Mosul over here before). There are three bloggers I know of from Mosul: Najma, hnk, and maas, and I hadn't heard anything from them since Wednesday. Najma finally put up a post yesterday, and it was very troubling to read. I hope your sister is okay - it must be scary living next to a police station in Mosul in the present situation.

I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Eid. I know the events around the holiday are not good, but I do hope you are able to spend some special time together with your family and friends.

Shawn.

6:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God willing Iraq will soon be free and liberated from all traces of occupation, and then the people will be able to build a government of their chosing.

All occupations are doomed to failure since they are built on the foundation of 'evil'.

May the Iraqi Freedom Fighters continue in their push for freedom...

Layth

10:27 AM  
Blogger Pat in NC said...

Rose, My prayers are with all the good Iraqi people that you may soon know peace and security. Your brave men in the ING are doing a very difficult job and the
coalition forces are working with them. May you and your loved ones enjoy being together for your holiday.

10:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From a mother in America,

Rose, I just found your blog. Thank-you for sharing your life with others. I think of the Iraqi people and pray for you every day. I am so sorry for what you must all be going through.

Most Americans, including the military over there, simply want the Iraqi people to be part of their own free democracy. As soon as the insurgents stop killing Iraqi people (bombing schools and police stations) and American soldiers, we can bring our military home.

That has always been the way America has does things- fight for a country's freedom, then leave the country in the hands of its own people.

I hope that the wicked men who would rather kill innocent people than have peace in their country will soon be caught or will lay down their weapons and allow the Iraqi people the peace and freedom that they deserve.

12:59 PM  
Blogger Grizzly Mama said...

Just saw a headline - an infantry battalion is on the way to Mosul to help with security.

5:54 PM  
Blogger Grizzly Mama said...

Now I'm hearing that the Peshmerga along with a couple of battalions of Iraqi forces are working to secure Mosul. The bad guys will be crying soon - if they're not dead already...

9:13 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Eid Mubarak, Rose. I hope it is appropriate for me to wish this for you. Thank you for giving us the news about your sister. I hope that she and all the other good people in Mosul stay safe.

Please keep posting about your life. Post recipes!

9:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Rose,
I just wanted to thank you for the description of your holiday, it is so wonderful to know that evil cannot touch peoples spirit or their faith. It is wonderful to hear about the families getting together and spending time with one another. We have Thanksgiving coming up and lots of families will be getting together like this, we will eat turkey and Pumpkin Pie till we get so fat :)

I just want to tell you that my heart goes out to you and your family as well as all of those in your country. Only time will tell if this war will be a positive or negative turning point for your nation. I hope and pray that it is a positive one and that your nation and your people will be free and have lasting peace. I don't know much about Islam , but I know christianity. I know that the bible says "God is Faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your strength." I believe that God will never give people anything that they cannot handle. Friends and people who are genuine and care for you will celebrate your joys and be saddened by your losses and will always , always listen when needed. So please do not worry about sounding depressing , your feelings are what make you a human , and are what binds all of us together. No matter where we live , what god we worship or what flag we salute, we all have emotions. God bless you Rose , your family and your nation.

Redhead in Colorado

3:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

what is wrong with you people,I can't beleive the comments I'm reading,this woman has her own religion she doesn't need converting,she needs for us to get out of her country so she can sleep at night without bombs or guns going off!
We have invaded her country without reason and you offer her little homlies about your lives,good God where are your heads! Shes living in hell and all you can tell her is its going to be alright as soon as we kill some more people,are you for real!

8:10 PM  
Blogger 夜之剑 said...

Hi, I was just surfing around and found your spencers gift page!
Very cool,I like finding all this interesting stuff.
If you are interested, go see my spencers giftrelated site which everything is in huge discount.You might find something of interest.

7:16 AM  
Blogger Roberto Iza Valdés said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

9:57 AM  
Blogger Webmaster said...

Just checking out the other blogs on get paid to surf the net and came across yours, not bad, just getting ideas for my get paid to surf the netblog. Take Care.

2:00 PM  
Blogger Leif Wheeler said...

Hello, I really enjoy your blog … I’m going to bookmark it.
Your visitors may also enjoy another site about business loans.
It can be found by clicking here...
business information loan

3:14 PM  
Blogger OBM said...

Hello! What at great blog you have going. I'm new to blogging and I am trying to build up my visitors. I blog about marketing material. I am also offering the eBook "Adsense Empire" to my visitors.... Stop by & get your copy today

10:18 AM  
Blogger safelists said...

Hi rose, If you would like to make great money online please click here , for more info on making The Best Marketing,Resell Right,AutoSurf and Affiliate Programs On The Net http://www.incbizz.com.

5:32 PM  
Blogger safelists said...

Hi rose, If you would like to make great money online please click here , for more info on making The Best Marketing,Resell Right,AutoSurf and Affiliate Programs On The Net http://www.incbizz.com.

7:45 PM  
Blogger Dale's Gmail said...

Hi there...nice blog. When I was out blog surfing looking for detailed info on mortgage financing I found your page. Your site is not an exact match but it did catch my interest. Should you ever need information on mortgage financing then drop by the site above and check it out.

2:04 PM  
Blogger Roberto Iza Valdés said...

Dear administrator:

Some of our comments above may include links that are no longer valid or that do not have a nofollow value. They might very well lead you today to a third party. Therefore,
I ask you, if you would be so kind, to please delete or disregard those
comments.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Iza, Roberto Iza

Muy Señores Míos:

Algunos de nuestros comentarios incluyen vínculos rotos que bien pudieran llevar hoy a una tercera persona. Por tanto, le rogamos, por favor, que los deseche o desestime.

Gracias y recuerdos

Iza, Roberto Iza

12:09 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Eid al-Adha is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and Druze worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son, as commanded by Allah. (Muslim tradition names Ishmael as the son who was to be sacrificed, whereas the Judeo-Christian tradition names Isaac.) It is one of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, sportsbook, whose basis comes from the Quran. (Muslims in Iran celebrate a third, non-denominational Eid) Like Eid el-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon. It is also called the "bigger" Eid because it is considered more important than Eid el-Fitr. http://www.enterbet.com

12:42 PM  
Blogger Free Poker Capital said...

Online poker free signup poker bankrolls is a very attractive
poker sign up bonuses it's all possible duration.
giving money from pokerroom with no deposit bonus and found you very morale player.
As a friendly propriet instant poker bonus - Poker online no deposit $35 bonus promotion.
bonus for CD Poker is quite no need deposit free bankrolls so stronger than any internet bonuses for poker.
well you may be take free Poker cash ane $50 bonuses.
good little free signup poker bankrolls as download soft.
bb some man should do. ultimate bet free bonus for all Poker Stars Caribb Adventage nation bankrolls.
Poker of the Strategy is the world no need deposit free bankrolls
Now that is a large bonus! Their free cash poker offer from pokerroom needed some chips for shark and beginners - all possible $50 bankrolls.
free no deposit cash bonuses

1:03 PM  
Blogger Free Poker Capital said...

traditions of poker. Things sound terrible there because no deposit bonus here. We are getting the same kind of poker news here in the US.

------------------------------------------
Are you play Poker ? Get free $50 bankroll for start poker adventure.
Webmaster - Link exchange with me.
Regards

5:23 PM  
Blogger ader45 said...

cant wait to taste the kulaija this year... jajaa


advantix for dogs
How To Make Your Hair Grow Faster
How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

9:39 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home