ext_68250 ([identity profile] merchimerch.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] merchimerch 2008-12-09 06:11 am (UTC)

That was Eid al Fitr (the ending of the fast of Ramadan).

This is Kurbon Eid, the holiday celebrating Abraham's offering of his son as a sacrifice. Often times people will slaughter an animal (it's usually a sheep in Central Asia) and feast, giving away meat to their friends and to the poor. It emphasizes hospitality and charity. Those who can't afford or do not want to sacrifice an animal will often prepare a feast and expect visitors to drop by. In Uzbekistan, it's also a time when new brides are shown off to visitors -- they usually get back into their wedding dresses and bow ritualistically to visitors and then snack on sweets.

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting