Ramadan is a blessed time of the year for Muslims worldwide. It is signified by the practice of fasting from dusk to sunset and engaging in various activites that improve one's spirtual wellbeing. Ramadan is both a time for individual worship and community building. In Muslim majority countries, you may find special cultural treats sold across shops, the sound of Qur'an recitation filling the air, decorations hung all around the city and other customs that unite the community all month long. This year, I had the honor of observing a few of the traditions that Jordanians enjoy during the holy month. Read on to learn more!
A few days before the start of Ramadan, you'll notice homes, public spaces and schools decorated with string lights, lanterns and illuminated lamps in the shape of crescent moons. At the school that I worked at, students enjoyed decorating their school bulletin board, homeroom doors and even the interior of their classrooms to welcome the special month. Students also organized their annual Ramadan Bazaar, where they sold baked goods, did face painting and had various other booths to fundraise for charity. More decorations can also be spotted in Downtown Amman, where families usually like to spend their evenings after breaking their fast.
