Ramadan through the eyes of a Scandinavian girl
- Sanna Karina
- Jun 27, 2017
- 3 min read
Ramadan, the holy month is just gone behind and is already the third day of The Eid - big celebration. First of all I couldn’t be more grateful for this unforgettable opportunity to see through my very own eyes and feel it in my very own skin and bones- the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar called Ramadan. Ramadan is not only about fasting and prayers, it is so much more... This month-long Christmas is something I would advise anyone to experience at least once in a lifetime in any Muslim country.
Tunisia is known for being modern and very open minded country compared to the rest of the other Arabic countries . But still they respect the tradition and Ramadan is real. As each Arabic country add their own cultural touch to Ramaadan and so do Tunisia.. It is the month when Tunisians held back their bad habits and the beer bottles will be closed for sure. As I imagined - this month is extremely challenging. Fasting all day long from the 4 o clock in the morning till the 19.40 – it isn’t piece of cake.
When streets were empty at the lunch time and coffee machines were closed – we were heading to the dance studio. Sun is burning like a laser on your skin and the most strong headachy has already arrived- all I was wondering how people keep fasting during this hotness... The answer was very simple, sleep. Most of the people were still sleeping until long afternoon and having a good rest before woking up. But still not put aside those people who did fully Ramadan meanwhile they had to work hard and woke up early in the morninh. It is thought - you need some big faith for surviving.
Before first Ramadan mum prepaid the special dinner for the whole family. When it is around 19.35 everyone know it is time to eat and drink... For me was such a beautiful image that country eat and drink at the same time with the whole family gather together. Food is very delicious. Everyday offered traditional food brika and spesialized soup without any animal products- vegan spicy soup what ever the name is. It always depends about the mother of the family or the day of the month (some days have some specific traditions food, for example the middle of the month and second last day of the month there is always couscous) –but what I observed was lots of healthy delicious food on the table until early morning. After few hours of food rest the city is on fire. Streets are packed – no matter what age you are. Shisa coffee tables are already taken – friends are gathered together for cup of tea and shisa. Music fill out the air – you can hear group percussion drums in almost any corner. Party is on, people are happy and enjoying their life’s.
As I’m not Muslim I did not do Ramadan but of course as I respect the other people so I didn’t drink or eat on the streets, etc. As I am known very curious person to try new things I really tried the Ramadan once, but it did not end up so good - I got sick. Hours of hard training and dancing it is not good for me not to drink or eat in this heat. Luckily I did not have to feel ashamed because some locals from young generation did Ramadan maybe first half away, day by day or not at all. Especially;if you are not very religion. Sick people, pregnant people or children of course do not do Ramadan.
In the end of Ramadan is time to the worldwide Muslim celebration the holiday of Eid al-adha. I felt a bit like christmas sabbath for us. People stay home, relax, eat, drink and enjoy the time when you do not have to do anything at all. City is calm and peaceful. Most of the store are closed and basicly you have these tree days off from your work - except me and my fiance. Artist life.
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