The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MONTH OF FASTING DURING RAMADEN

MOSLEMS ALL OVER THE WORLD, BUT ESPECIALLY IN EGYPT,
FAST FROM SUN-UP TO SUN-DOWN DURING THIS MONTH. THEY
DON'T EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING DURING THIS PERIOD. THE
REASON THEY FAST IS SO ALLAH WILL FORGIVE THEM THEIR
SINS. SOMEONE COMES AROUND AT NIGHT TO WAKE THEM UP
SO THEY CAN EAT DURING THE NIGHT.
THIS FAST IS CELEBRATED ACCORDING TO THE LUNAR MONTH.
IT STARTS AS SOON AS THE MOON IS SEEN AND ENDS WHEN
THE MOON HAS COMPLETED ITS FULL CYCLE. THE SIGHTING
OF THE MOON DEPENDS ON WEATHER CONDITIONS.
PEOPLE ARE VERY EXCITED AND LOOK FOR THE MOON.
SOMEONE FIRES A CANNON WHEN THE MOON IS SEEN AND EVERY-
ONE CHEERS.

Data entry tech comment: NINTH MOON--SPICER, "BOOK OF FESTIVALS," KATHY LOESER.
CN[ REESE, CLAIRE

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-00-1972