Gargeean in Saudi (similar to USA Halloween)

While living here in Saudi, sometimes it can be daunting trying to understand local customs and practices, especially at times like Ramadan and Eid, which are often outside the understanding or experience of those of us from non-Muslim cultures. However, it’s at times like these that living in a multi-cultural community we are able to learn so much from our friends and neighbors. This year, during Ramadan, the Women's Group hosted a special Ramadan Iftar meal for members and their families on September 7.

We learned that during the month of Ramadan, Muslims practice Sawm, or fasting, during the hours between sunrise and sunset. Most Muslims rise before dawn to prepare an early meal known as Suhoor. At the end of the day, friends and family gather to prepare an evening meal called Iftar. According to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad broke his own fast for the Iftar meal by consuming a date before partaking of other Ramadan dishes. When Prayer had been called, the fast was broken with dates, water, juice or coffee coffee, and then after Prayer, we were treated to a wonderful feast of traditional Eastern Province Ramadan dishes.

A special part of the evening was when we learned about Gargeean (garr-geeawann), a tradition which usually occurs half way through the month of Ramadan, on the 14th night when the moon is full. Very similar to the Halloween 'Trick or Treat', the children dress up in traditional Arabic costumes, and, carrying a bag in which to put their treats, they go from door to door asking for sweets and nuts from their neighbors. Sometimes they are given money, but usually it’s a mixture of wrapped sweets, dried figs and peanuts. The children sing traditional songs and families prepare their streets for the festive occasion with decorations and by hanging lights on their houses.

In this photo I am wearing a traditional Saudi dress and handing out treats for Gargeean!