CHRISTMAS SEASON IN MOROCCO. Yes, there is excitement in the air here! But it is not in preparation for the birthday of Christ, it is in for Layeed Kbeer. (That's the phonetic spelling.) This is the central feast in Islam, comparable to and derived from the feast of the atonement, Abraham's substitute sacrifice, for the remission of sins. Most all families kill a sheep(or goat or other cheaper animal if they are very poor)which is then eaten in an orderly fashion, depending on local customs. Internal organs and the head and feet are usually eaten on the first few days, then lots of kabobs of "regular" meat cooked over charcoal (that's the part I prefer) in following days.
During this time, men make sure to get haircuts (which is nothing new, since men see the barber often) and many women henna their hands and feet. Almsgiving and prayer are also an important part of this holiday. Of course, as always, families get together just like we do for the holidays. Because of this, the Peace Corps volunteers have travel restrictions placed upon us as the highways are busier than usual, and therefore even more dangerous. This year the travel restriction ends on December 23rd. Several friends are coming on the 24th; one of them will be doing workshops at the neddy on the 25th and 26th, so we take this opportunity of togetherness and have a little Christmas feast. I think we'll skip the sheep head and feet.
Back to Christmas. I can remember getting so frustrated when I would ask my mom what she would like for a gift, and she would reply, "I don't need a thing." It seemed that there must be something I could give her that would increase her happiness. I know now that my time and attention was the most important "thing" I could give her.
Being here has not changed the way I feel about the American Christmas season; I was beginning to get quite fed up with the commercialism and more reluctant to be sucked up in it. Being here has certainly made me even more aware of the reason for the season, as has become the cliche. I so miss family and friends, and music and all that, and the exchanging of a few thoughtful gifts, but I must admit it is a bit of a relief not to have all the advertising etc. "in my face." That being said, it will be great, though, to be back home next year for the Christmas season.
During this time, men make sure to get haircuts (which is nothing new, since men see the barber often) and many women henna their hands and feet. Almsgiving and prayer are also an important part of this holiday. Of course, as always, families get together just like we do for the holidays. Because of this, the Peace Corps volunteers have travel restrictions placed upon us as the highways are busier than usual, and therefore even more dangerous. This year the travel restriction ends on December 23rd. Several friends are coming on the 24th; one of them will be doing workshops at the neddy on the 25th and 26th, so we take this opportunity of togetherness and have a little Christmas feast. I think we'll skip the sheep head and feet.
Back to Christmas. I can remember getting so frustrated when I would ask my mom what she would like for a gift, and she would reply, "I don't need a thing." It seemed that there must be something I could give her that would increase her happiness. I know now that my time and attention was the most important "thing" I could give her.
Being here has not changed the way I feel about the American Christmas season; I was beginning to get quite fed up with the commercialism and more reluctant to be sucked up in it. Being here has certainly made me even more aware of the reason for the season, as has become the cliche. I so miss family and friends, and music and all that, and the exchanging of a few thoughtful gifts, but I must admit it is a bit of a relief not to have all the advertising etc. "in my face." That being said, it will be great, though, to be back home next year for the Christmas season.
posted by Connie Genger | 11:54 PM
2 Comments:
"Most all families kill a sheep" -- It's "sacrifice" is more accurate.
Merry Christmas to you!
Lalla Mira [lalla-mira.com]
Whether a sheep is 'killed' or 'sacrificed', it's still dead in the end.
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