Yanni's wonderful track "Nostalgia" is playing loudly; my clothes are all over my bed as I am trying to decide on what to wear for my visit to my aunt who arrived yesterday from Hajj. Well, that's it! I am going to wear this white dress my grandmother- prayers sent to her soul- used to compliment every time saying," white is for good luck worn by good souls." Is this why pilgrims wear white? I wonder.
I remember the time when we received my grandparents- who had just moved to the city at the time- after they performed Hajj. Though I was a child, I can very well remember how my grandparents were disappointed at what they called "too modern" a reception.
My family, who kept wondering where the mistake was, saved no efforts to create an amazing reception-of course according to their best knowledge. They made sure, though by force, all the kids of the family would sleep very early in that evening so my grandparents could have peaceful time after a long journey. They carefully ordered enticing chocolates, pastries, fancy Lebanese meal.
My grandmother, then, started to compare Hajj reception in the past with the present ; "old beautiful days! People would head toward Makah few days after Eid al Fitter, as it took them months to arrive using camels and horses, that's if they could make it till the end."
"What do you mean, granny, "If they could make it till the end"?" my cousin asked.
“Many people died in their way to Makah. The road was long and rough, and the climate was very hot, dusty and humid." my grandmother answered.
“However" she continued, "when they safely arrive home, all family and neighbors would go to receive them at the station, with *mashmoom, candies, and rose water spread over their blessed heads. People start to perform *nasheeds and prayers, and women start their *zaghareed. Then they would directly be taken to the mosque to perform thanks prayers. The family would knock on every door in the neighborhood to invite them over a large lunch- feast- women would prepare days before the zero hour. Visiting pilgrims was a must; even family living far would take trouble to visit."
" the house of pilgrims," My grandfather took the lead of the conversation," would be open all the time with crowds in and out. The occasion with the joy it extended, resembled very much a wedding or celebration."
"Noor, hurry up!" my sister is roaring from behind the door," get ready! We should be there in less than 30 minutes. Aunt set the reception time only from 7:00-9:00 pm!"
I remember the time when we received my grandparents- who had just moved to the city at the time- after they performed Hajj. Though I was a child, I can very well remember how my grandparents were disappointed at what they called "too modern" a reception.
My family, who kept wondering where the mistake was, saved no efforts to create an amazing reception-of course according to their best knowledge. They made sure, though by force, all the kids of the family would sleep very early in that evening so my grandparents could have peaceful time after a long journey. They carefully ordered enticing chocolates, pastries, fancy Lebanese meal.
My grandmother, then, started to compare Hajj reception in the past with the present ; "old beautiful days! People would head toward Makah few days after Eid al Fitter, as it took them months to arrive using camels and horses, that's if they could make it till the end."
"What do you mean, granny, "If they could make it till the end"?" my cousin asked.
“Many people died in their way to Makah. The road was long and rough, and the climate was very hot, dusty and humid." my grandmother answered.
“However" she continued, "when they safely arrive home, all family and neighbors would go to receive them at the station, with *mashmoom, candies, and rose water spread over their blessed heads. People start to perform *nasheeds and prayers, and women start their *zaghareed. Then they would directly be taken to the mosque to perform thanks prayers. The family would knock on every door in the neighborhood to invite them over a large lunch- feast- women would prepare days before the zero hour. Visiting pilgrims was a must; even family living far would take trouble to visit."
" the house of pilgrims," My grandfather took the lead of the conversation," would be open all the time with crowds in and out. The occasion with the joy it extended, resembled very much a wedding or celebration."
"Noor, hurry up!" my sister is roaring from behind the door," get ready! We should be there in less than 30 minutes. Aunt set the reception time only from 7:00-9:00 pm!"
*Mashmoom: kind of scented leaves we use for celebrations.
*Zaghareed: vocal expression of joy done particularly by women.
*Nasheeds: kind of religious rhyming songs.
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