'Eid did not change over generations, but we did'

Emiratis of three generations recall that Eid comes with happiness and joy as it always did, but meanings have changed across time.

Though Eid celebrations are marked with the same traditions followed across generations, the UAE nationals agree that the meanings of joy has changed.
As Muslims around the world gather to celebrate Eid Al Adha, the Emirati families are also gearing up for the three-day feast that sees animal sacrifice, family visits and new clothes.
Emiratis of three generations recall that Eid comes with happiness and joy as it always did, but meanings have changed across time.
Qadreya Lotfi Ali, 60, said her family maintains the same bond and traditions they have held across generations, without allowing technology to come in between relations.
"If we are in the same country, we all gather and celebrate together. We call or text only if someone is away," said Ali, a mother of seven and grandmother of over 22 grandchildren.
"The only way you get a true feeling of Eid is seeing each other and spending time with your loved ones. Or else, there's no joy."
The grandmother has been preparing for the last three days as her children, grandchildren and siblings will gather at her house after Eid prayers to mark the feast.
"We used to gather at my mother's house, but ever since she passed away, we moved the gathering to my house," she said.
Eid among Emirati families is mainly marked by wearing new clothes and visiting the family houses to spend the day, eat and give Eidiyas (Eid money) to the children who occupy themselves playing with one another. 
Ali said the second and third days of Eid are dedicated to visiting homes of relatives and family friends who cannot leave their homes mainly for their old age.
The main highlight in Eid is eating Oozie, a dish of lamb, rice, spices and nuts, along with Omani sweets, Eid cookies and fruits.
"Eid isn't complete without spending it with your loved ones, no matter how close technology brings us," said Ali.
Don't see kids playing
When comparing Eid then and now, Ahmed Al Yafei, an Emirati in his 30s, said although celebrations are "commercial" nowadays, the spirit of the feast remains the same, including giving out Eidiyas, that has been a main tradition among Emiratis. "It goes without saying that I miss being the person receiving Eidiya, instead of giving it! But even nowadays, it brings joy to my day when I see children happy with any Eidiya I give them," said Al Yafei.
However, he said the current generation is missing out on so much joy that Eid brings.
"Being attached to their tablets, their favourite part of Eid is probably when their favorite YouTuber uploads an Eid special video. I no longer see kids playing around the neighbourhood."
He added that though some families are trying to teach their kids to keep the traditional joys going, he still finds that most of the Eid greetings are made using technology.
"When was the last time you called someone saying 'Eid Mubarak' instead of sending it on WhatsApp? I'm guilty of that as well," said Al Yafei.
It takes double the effort from some families now to keep the greetings face-to-face alive and spread joy in a much needed time.
For Al Yafei, he starts the day through performing Eid prayers with his family then the gathering starts at the family house where everyone gets together, children play and start comparing how much Eidiyas they received.
"Growing up, the boys used to try to impress their parents and guests with showing their talent in the etiquette of serving traditional Arabic coffee. After that and throughout the day people keep on visiting each other. And don't get me started on the sweets!" said Al Yafei, pointing out that Lgeemat, Chibab, Khabeesa and Betheeth are just some of the Emirati delicacies that make their tables during Eid.
Blame it on quick-paced life
Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Harthi, 18, said that earlier people led simpler lives and there were no the smart devices to distract them.
"Eid didn't change with years passing, but we did. Back in those days, people didn't spend their Eid days at work or away from their families. Nowadays given the quick-paced life we live dominated by technology, you find people barely having any time off," said Al Harthi.
He added that the past simple living also reflected on children who were usually satisfied playing one game unlike the current generation that barely finds fulfillment due to "the endless options available."
Al Harthi noted that recording Eid moments on social media also slipped away the true meanings of joy.
"I imagine life without phones or social media when families gathered in one place with love, and all they did was exchange greetings and conversations. Today, we are more busy recording moments than living them," said Al Harthi.
Al Harthi added that every year he wears the traditional Kandoura, ghutra and Agal in the morning, perform the Eid prayers and spend the day with his family. He added that he also goes around with his fellow young relatives to greet their family and friends before finally gathering at the family house to eat and celebrate.
"I celebrate Eid like any other Muslim who happily welcomes this day as it gathers me with my family and loved ones," he said.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

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