Festivals and food

Abstract

Islamic festivals are called eid (or id), an Arabic word from a root which means ‘periodically returning’. These festivals are times for reducing tension and for establishing new relations in an atmosphere of festivity and happiness. It is vital that strangers, the poor and the lonely feel at home. Broken relations must be mended, quarrelling must end and orphans must experience the love of others. The two major festival days are:

• (1) the festival of Breaking the Fast after Ramadan

• (2) the Festival of Sacrifice after the pilgrimage.