Ramadan rituals in Iran's Birjand ancient regions

Birjand, May 19, IRNA – Ramadan has been associated with various rituals in ancient Birjand and such rituals are alive in some parts of the county and revival of these traditions can also create empathy and vitality in society. Birjand is the capital of the Iranian province of South Khorasan. The city is known for its saffron, barberry, jujube, and hand-woven carpet exports The 'Four Trees' district in Birjand city is one of the most ancient regions of this city and traditional Ramadan rituals still can be observed in the city. But this is not the case, the old ones have either died or left this district, and new residents of this region are trying to keep these customs alive. Seyyed Mohammad Lamie, who lived 79 years in Birjand's 'Four Trees' district and has now moved to another district of the city, tells us about some rituals of the Holy month Ramadan in Birjand. Each night, on the night of the 27th Ramadan, two women watched anonymously, wearing a white outfit (chador), covering their faces, and carrying a tray on which the mirror, shoulder, chestnut and a bowl of water and a bucket were brought to the houses of the people. He continues with saying that how the door was slammed by these women: 'These people, in their every house, were knocked at home several times with their mattress, and the landlord noticed their presence and welcomes them with flour, candy or money, and with every purpose they had, looked at the mirror inside the tray, pulled the shoulder and watched some of them on the eyes. Seyyed Muhammad added: 'One of Ramadan's rituals and traditions in this district is reading a juz (part) of the Holy Qur'an every day. He said: 'The last days of Ramadan, every one would give some money and by collecting an amount of money, they would buy dates and splits of crystalized sugar and distribute sweats among the people. Iran is a Muslim country and during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day, say prayers and then break their fast with Iftar, a special evening meal. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, with the exception of pregnant women, the ill, children or those suffering from diabetes. From sunrise to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating any food, drinking liquids and smoking. The philosophy of fasting is to make the people understand the situation from which the poor and the needy are suffering; and learn to appreciate God’s blessings in their lifetime. The philosophy encourages the people to share food with the poor, inviting people for the meal (Iftar) to break their fast at sunset, giving donation to charity, and reading part of holy Quran during this month in a way to complete the entire text of the holy book in one month to deserve the divine rewards. The ancient Iranian people, like their ancient civilizations, held special rituals for many national and religious occasions, which, after the advent of Islam in Iran, many Islamic occasions had special celebrations. Ramadan is one of the Islamic occasions after Islam spread to Iran, and the people of this ancient land perform Ramadan rituals in their own way. Many Muslims, including the Shia, perform rituals in the holy month of Ramadan with special customary specifications, including every night gathering at mosques after Iftar in the one month-period to listen to sermons of the spiritual leaders. Iranian cuisine is as delicious and captivating as ever, considering all the different ethnic groups and cultures residing in the country. The art of cooking is legendary in the culture of the Middle East and each part has its own recipe and special dishes. For that reason, the variety of recipes for the fasting month is also of a much more importance. Ramadan is also an occasion to observe that Iranian legendary hospitality. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish