Interesting traditions of Eid al-Adha from around the world

Eid al-Adha is very important for the Muslim world. During this important period, when millions of people are making sacrifices, Muslims around the world are doing their prayers in a similar way. However, the enthusiasm for the holiday is maintained in different ways and with different traditions in each country. In some countries, the excitement and preparation for Eid al-Adha begins a few days in advance. Along with the feast, old holiday traditions also emerge. Here are some interesting Eid al-Adha traditions from different regions of the world.

1. Turkmenistan

As in many countries where Muslims live, in Turkmenistan, Kurban prayer is performed after the holiday prayer. However, Eid al-Adha in Turkmenistan, unlike many other countries, takes place in a carnival atmosphere. Special concerts and entertainment are held in the country on Eid al-Adha.

Among the country’s most ingrained Eid al-Adha traditions are the swings that fill the country’s streets during the holiday! Dozens of Turkmens in traditional dress swing on these swings placed throughout the country during Eid al-Adha. Because there is an ancient belief in the country that those who swing on these swings will be cleansed of their sins.

Eid al-Adha is also called the “Great Eid” in Morocco. Preparations for this big day begin days in advance. Morocco experiences its busiest times of the year during Eid al-Adha. Dozens of people change places during the holidays. However, economic development in Morocco is also shaped in line with Eid al-Adha.

The government transfers salaries to civil servants the week before Eid, and banks issue special loans for Eid. But the most interesting tradition of Eid al-Adha in Morocco falls on the day of the holiday. Moroccans apply henna between the horns of sacrificial animals because they believe it will bring benefits.

3. Philippines

Muslims in the Philippines continue to live a very interesting tradition in Eid al-Adha. Muslims who have the economic ability to make sacrifices set open banquet tables on the first day of Eid al-Adha. The most important food on the table is sacrificial meat. Those who wish can take food from the banquet table to their home. However, the organizers of the banquet hide a sum of money under each of the chairs at the table. This money goes to the people sitting on the chair.

4. Algiers

In Algeria, one of the most beautiful countries in North Africa, some of the ancient traditions of the Eid al-Adha holiday have been preserved. Sacrifice in Algiers is mainly performed on the third day of the holiday. On the same day, citizens from different parts of the country get together and arrange crowded tables in their regions of residence. The most important color of these festive tables is the traditional melfouf dish, which looks like a wrapper.

5. Malaysia

Buddhists and Muslims lead a common life in Malaysia. For this reason, the rituals of two different faiths also influence each other. For example, streets and sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha in Malaysia have been decorated in different ways over the years.

6. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the countries where very interesting Eid al-Adha traditions have been held for many years. People support the enthusiasm of Eid al-Adha with various activities and traditional sports competitions in the gardens of mosques after the Eid prayer.

Source: 1