Eid’s traditions in decline [Archives:2007/1115/Community]
Abdulkreem Al-Aawage
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There were many funny and joyful traditions; some were preceding Holy Eids' days and some during the celebration. For example, on the eve of Eid, people in villages and some towns used to start bonfires on their rooftops. Young boys and youths went an extra step as they collected wood to burn on hilltops. The firelights around the village created an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Creating the bonfires was also a matter of competition between youth. Some used wood and dry grass and mixed it with gasoline and lit them on the edges of the house roofs in an attractive design. This way was called (Hishal) which was one style of showing joy for the coming Eid.
The second way was creating the shaping (Jamal Al-Bahry)- the sea camel. They created a module from cloths and wood, and had two men carry it on their shoulders. The men represented the legs of the camel. This custom was practiced during the Eid day itself. There would be a third man to lead the camel posing as the farmer while singing some traditional songs known as (Maghrad) .
Also there is the “Al-Muajib”, the jester, who attracts all eyes and attention of the people during the celebration of Eids' Days. He was the main character and the most popular among boys, and girls, children and old people. He would be traveling from one village to the other, and each village people would anticipate his arrival in order to laugh at his jokes and moves. This was like the clown in western culture and in some Chinese traditions. The Yemeni jester would be wearing real goat horns and scalp and sometimes wear and artificial scary mask. His role was the highlight of Eid celebration because he would be deciding the program of the Eid celebrations during the Eid days. He also is given the authority to punish people who did not give their Audhia (animal sacrifice) according to the Islamic descriptions. He would punish them by tie them onto a long wood and have two men carry each person amidst the laughter of the attendees at the celebration square.
The fourth tradition that was practiced during Eids' days especially among the children was Al-Madrahah, which was a simple swing created by typing ropes to a tree and men and boys would ride them while singing beautiful songs.
In fact, in Eid days you only see and watch joy, happiness and laughs on all faces old or young.
However, now most of these traditions have disappeared because of TV, satellite channels and the others distractions. But also poverty has made people less happier and less enthusiastic about celebrating Eid. It has stolen the smiles from the parents' lips and the laughs from the children mouths.
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