Ramadan

A few days after our arrival in Jordan, Ramadan began-a month long celebration where all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Out of respect for those fasting, others are prohibited from eating or drinking in public both on campus and outside of campus. In fact, one can be put in jail for eating a snickers bar while walking through the mall. Even chewing gum is not allowed. Despite the strict rules, the four weeks are considered a celebration. Similarly to families at Christmas time, people hang lights on their houses shaped like moons and stars. Every evening after sundown, families gather together to "break the fast" by eating a meal called Iftar. This meal is usually followed by sweets like dates, figs, and yummy desserts. There is also a salty yogurt substance that surprised a few people who mistook it for milk.

In the spirit of cultural exploration (and a little challenge), a couple of the Junior Fellows fasted. Hannah Ryan and I fasted for two days (not consecutively) and were ultimately successful. We did not even drink water! Those fasting were given a meal, called sohoor, to be eaten at about four AM. I had sohoor twice but going back to sleep after eating did not feel great...If I try fasting again I think I will skip the sohoor.

If you know how much I love to eat, then you are well aware how difficult it was to fast. I rarely ignore my grumbling stomach but for these two days I had to push through the discomfort. One of the days I tried going for a run on the treadmill which, when you haven't had any water all day, is not an easy task. But fasting for two days gave me an appreciation for the discipline demonstrated by those who fast for the entire month.

-Kat

The fact that we were thrown into this important Muslim experience right off the bat after landing in Jordan really had an impact on our assimilation into the culture. Coming from America, this experience was quite unlike any other. Not being able to eat or drink in public is extremely difficult to say the least! Both Kat and I made a few mistakes unintentionally. During the new student orientation for example, I caught myself taking a bottle of water out of my purse. (This doesn't sound like a big deal of course, but in an area full of parents observing this holiday, I potentially could have gotten quite a lot of stares). Although I never fasted for a day like Kat did (although not for lack of trying!) I still think that I gained an appreciation for the restraint shown by so many who take part in this unifying religious experience.

Although we moaned and groaned a bit during Ramadan, looking back on it there are aspects to this month of celebration that I miss. The general festivity during this month was crazy! Stores and restaurants in Amman and Madaba were open late into the night. Lights were strung all around the cities and music blared from sidewalk corners. There was also a special late-night market, Souk Jara, that took place only during Ramadan on Friday nights. The emphasis on family during this special month (and also in general) is something that I wish could be more emphasized in the United States. Even full-boarders at King's Academy would go home for Iftar meals daily with their families! It was refreshing to be immersed in a culture where most family took priority for the entirety of this month.

Much love,
Marianna