Ramadan traditions ease Algerian kids into their first fast

2009-08-28

A child's first Ramadan fast is a celebration of Algerian traditions that parents and grandparents look forward to sharing each year.

By Hayam El Hadi for Magharebia in Algiers – 28/08/09

[Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images] Algerians introduce children to their first Ramadan fast with traditions designed to make even the youngest feel important and adult.

Observing a child's first Ramadan fast is a special event that Algerian families celebrate with time-honoured customs. The family centres activities around the child, especially during parties and celebrations held at the end of the fasting day.

In central Algeria, and to the east and west of the country, all of the child's family and friends gather together to help the youngster get through the first day-long fast. And although they begin preparing the boys and girls several days in advance, it is the child who decides when he or she is ready to fast.

"Children aren't forced to fast," said El Hadja Malika, who has more than a dozen grandchildren. "They do it when they feel properly ready, and on top of this, the knowledge that there will be a special party just for them is extra motivation."

When the first day of the fast arrives, usually on a Friday, the fasting children sleep late. As soon as they wake up, they are allowed to go for a walk to help pass the time. Fathers usually take their children shopping. They wander through the markets, and, money permitting, they buy their children anything they like. Once at home again, the youngsters take an afternoon nap, or watch television.

This is the moment when mothers start to prepare that evening's iftar. For the occasion of their child's first day of fasting, mothers usually prepare the child's favourite foods. Just this once, the child is allowed to sit at the grown-ups' table, enjoying food served on the best china.

Family and friends are invited to share in the iftar. Mothers prepare large quantities of sherbet, a drink made with sugar, cinnamon and orange flower water. Children break their fast with this drink.

Just before the Adhan, little girls put on traditional dresses, and are made up like brides with lots of jewellery. Boys breaking the fast wear an abaya or suit, and wait patiently for the iftar. Mothers shout for joy when children drink their first mouthful of sherbet, celebrating their offspring's first full day of fasting. It is an important moment, intended to help children associate fasting with happy times.

Radia, 10, told Magharebia about her first day of fasting.

"I fasted for the first time in my life," she said. "It was really difficult with the heat, but everyone helped me have a wonderful day."

"I went shopping and I even helped Mum get the iftar ready," she continued. "I wore a traditional karakou dress and some really beautiful jewels."

"My parents were very proud of me and I was very happy about being a grown-up," concluded Radia. "I'll never forget that moment."

Her mother, Saliha, made no secret of her pride. "Traditions absolutely must be preserved," she said. "I myself remember when my mother introduced this tradition to me."

"I'm keen to do it for my children," she added. "This is the way they should be introduced to Ramadan, and not think of it as a chore. It's a way of easing them into adult life."

Mothers are not the only ones intent on maintaining Algeria's Ramadan traditions.

"We try to keep up our traditions," said Radia's father. "Our children must remember this moment as having a certain magic. They are kings for a day."

"Our parents did that for us, we do it for our children, and we hope that they, too, will be able to continue the tradition," he added.