Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month in the Islam religion. During this time, Muslims are suppose to fast from food, drink, sex, and tobacco. During the daylight hours they cannot eat or drink so they break the fast each evening at sundown. In Burkina Faso, Muslims break the fast with Zoom Koom, a juice made from ginger and sugar. Because so much sugar is used during this month, this is a common gift for friends and family.

At the end of the month on the day after the new moon is seen, the fasting is over. Eid ul-Fitr is the celebration of the end of fasting. That morning there is a prayer service followed by large fete. I unfortunately missed the prayer in village this year since I was in Ouaga for a masquerade party celebrating the volunteers that are soon ending their two year Peace Corps service. Since the day is not set and all depends on if the moon is seen the night before, I was hoping to make it back the day before the fete but unfortunatley arrived in village the afternoon of the celebration. I quickly bathed and got dressed in my fancy comple. Everyone, especially the kids, get new clothes for the Ramadan fete and were excited to dress up for the occassion.

In the afternoon, children played together and went house to house eating rice and occassionally meat and candy. Adults also visited with family and friends. I celebrated at several different houses in my community including with the family I live with. Everyone was saying Happy Eid and wishing a happy and healthy year to come. Another common greeting is too wish young women many children in the next year. Everyone laughed when I thanked them for their wishes but said I didn't want any children right now! It is also fairly common to give gifts at this time and I had been collecting gifts to give each member of my family at least something. Up until now I have not wanted to give much since I hate always being asked for things and didn't want people to think I had a lot of money. It was very fun to share small toys with the kids and earrings with the women.

I also took pictures of many members of my family in their fancy clothes. I have posted these pictures along with many others that I have taken this month. Doesn't everyone look so nice? Their fancy clothes are then put away for about two months until Tabaski, the next big fete when people also get another set of new clothes or wear their Ramadan clothes if they can't afford another new outfit.