Emirati families keep 'sweet' Hag Al Laila tradition alive

All dressed up, children of RAK prisons' staff members and inmates hold up their bowl of Hag Al Laila sweets. - Supplied photo

It's that time of the year again, when Emirati children went door to door in their neighbourhood to get their share of sweets as part of Hag Al Laila celebrations.
Hag Al Laila is a tradition that dates back to hundreds of years, marking the approach of the holy month of Ramadan. It falls on the 15th day of the lunar month of Shaaban and, this year, it is observed today.
For Emirati families, the tradition also embodies the spirit of giving and tolerance that has long been ingrained in the local culture.
Khalid Al Naqbi, an Emirati national in Al Fahleen area, Ras Al Khaimah, told Khaleej Times that they started getting ready for  Hag Al Laila as early as two months before.
"Special clothes were bought, and sweets and nuts are packed for distribution among the kids of the neighbourhood."
Groups of kids, all holding their own small handmade bags, would usually go around right after the Asr prayer (around 4pm). All dressed up, they would knock on doors and say 'Atoona Hag Al Laila', which means 'Give us sweets for tonight'.
"The children happily celebrate and tour the district from Asr to Maghreb time," Al Naqbi said.
Mohammed Ibrahim, an Emirati anchor, said Hag Al Laila is meant to spread happiness everywhere.
"The historic celebration, extensively known in Gulf countries, is not only limited to young children who enjoy the moment and the sweets. Adults take part in it, too, exchanging visits and congratulations," he said. 
All departments of the country celebrate this local festival, aiming to keep it alive for generations, according to Abdullah Al Shamali, an Emirati government officer.
"Each and every family has its own way of celebrating this occasion, which is a kind of preparation for the spiritually uplifting days of the holy month of Ramadan," he said.
Abdullah Al Suri, an Emirati writer, said he looks forward to Hag Al Laila every year as it allows him to share special moments with the kids of his brothers and sisters. 
"The young children usually wear traditional colourful attire and carry bags full of nuts and sweets, which they happily collect from their neighbours," Al Suri said.
While the tradition has lived on for centuries, Emirati engineer Sara Humaid said its practice has also evolved with the times.
"These days, branded chocolates are now being distributed in luxury gift boxes. Some people are giving out toys as well," she said.
Kids ready for sweets
Ten-year-old Omar Ahmed said he was excited to meet his friends and do their rounds. "My mother has made me a special bag not only to collect sweets but also to share them with my friends," he said.
For 8-year-old Nada Salem, it was the perfect occasion to go out and play with family and relatives.
"We happily sing and play with friends and share sweets and nuts," she said.
On the eve of Hag Al Laila, children chant a special tradition song, 'Aatona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum', which means 'Give us and Allah will reward you and help you visit the House of Allah in Makkah'.
Sara Abdulrahman, an Emirati lawyer, said her mother used to stitch a handmade cloth bag for her every year for the occasion. "Emirati families always buy a wide collection of sweets, nuts, toys and gifts to make children happy on this special night."
Meanwhile, the children of RAK prisons' staff and inmates marked the day with traditional songs and dances, along with some popular cuisine and handcrafts.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com