Happy new year!

[pne]

Happy new year to those for whom a new year starts tonight, and a blessed Ramadan to those who observe it.

(With thanks to livredor for pointing out to me that Ramadan and Tishri coincide this year.)

Comments

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

Do people really "celebrate" Ramadan or do they simply "observe" it?

[pne.livejournal.com]

Good point; I've changed my wording.

[ubykhlives.livejournal.com]

As with so much in the world, it depends. For some Muslims - partially depending upon their location, I guess - the iftar, or breaking of fast after each day of Ramadan, is often marked by some kind of celebration (although that's a bit strong a word) or community gathering. And Id al-Fitr, technically the first day of Shawwal is definitely a celebration of the coming closer to Allah that's supposed to have happened during Ramadan.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

Yes, and Easter, which occurs at the conclusion of Lent, is the most important feast in the Christian calendar. But no Christian I've ever known would speak of "celebrating" Lent. It's a season of fasting and denial, even if the ultimate goal is to prepare one for the joyful anniversary of the Resurrection.

[ubykhlives.livejournal.com]

Good point.