Many holidays are celebrated this time of the year: Hannukah in the Jewish tradition, yule/solstice in neo-pegan and ancient traditions, Christmas in christian households, Bodhi Day in some Buddhist traditions.... Have you ever celebrated with others in a tradition that is Not your own? If so, tell us about it. If not, would you consider it, and which holiday would you choose as your first such experience?
My country Nigeria is dominated by The Christian body, which is located mostly in the southern part of the country and the Muslim body, which occupies the Northern part of the country. Other religions are being practiced but these two are the majority.
(Just a reminder that everyday is worth celebrating)
Even though each religions is identified by geographical zones, we still end up traveling and building families and homes in these various regions, so basically Christians and Muslims live together in thesame area.
(Celebrating the marriage ceremony of my landlord's son)
Presently am living and working in a community where 80% of the population, if not more,are Muslim. Although it's not in the north, I have never seen the celebration of Ramadan until last year, when i started working where I am.
Infact, the Ramadan holidays all over the country is usually observed nationwide, as non Muslims take it as a public holiday, an off day to rest and unwind. I was shocked when I get to witness the holiday first hand and at thesame time,i was amazed.
(My colleagues at work who continuously share the love during Ramadan)
My landlord is a Muslim, I was able to witness the day by day preparation, how they all fasted until the full moon was out, the call to prayer each passing day,the buying of ram to slutter and the prayer ground they all went to in the morning of Ramadan, before the celebration started.
It was actually so amazing to see all those love that day, my boss was actually gifted alot of fresh meat, and cooked meal, my colleagues that are Muslims brought dried meat for me.
I saw children and their parents all dressed up, visiting their loved ones just as we Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, during Christmas with love and togetherness, I saw that among our Muslim brothers and sisters, and am glad that love was extended to me as well.
My landlord's daughter inlaw cooked and gave all the tenants food and drinks, we in turn went as tenants and visited his household with wine, as a token of our appreciation and to let him know that in as much as we have our different beliefs, we are still humans who have love and respect for one another.
I greeted them with "Happy Ramadan" with a smile on my face, using their native dialect to greet them well-done.
All photos are mine
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