— SACRED TIME —

'Ashura

June 25 · Islam · Monotheisms

Moveable date

Esoteric and historical meaning

For Sunnis, the day of fasting for Moses saved from the sea; for Shiites, mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn at Karbala: justice that chooses defeat.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Voluntary fast (Sunnis)
·Mourning Majalis and narration of the battle (Shiites)
·Distribution of water in memory of the thirst of Karbala

Traditional foods

·Ashure, seven-grain pudding
·Water offered to passers-by

Offerings

·Water and food to passers-by

Taboos to respect

·Do not celebrate or hold weddings (Shiite context)

Associated symbols

Black · Water skin · Banner