— SACRED TIME —

'Id al-Fitr

March 20–22 · Islam · Monotheisms

Moveable date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Festival of breaking the fast: discipline dissolves into gratitude and community. The body returns to the world after a month of suspension.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Ritual bath and new clothes
·Outdoor morning community prayer
·Visits to relatives and reconciliations

Traditional foods

·Date and almond sweets
·Breakfast consumed before prayer

Offerings

·Zakat al-fitr paid before prayer

Taboos to respect

·Do not fast on this day
·Do not pray before having eaten something

Associated symbols

New clothes · Embrace · New moon