Festival Eid Al-Fitr

Transcription

1 Festival Eid Al-Fitr Eid Al-Fitr is a three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan at the new moon. Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. The holiday lasts for the entire month and Muslims fast during the daylight hours only eating small meals after sundown. In the evenings they also visit with friends and family. It is also a time of worship and contemplation. The month of Ramadan is also a time when it is believed that the Holy Quran, the Muslims holy text, was sent down from heaven. One day Muhammad was sitting alone in the wilderness near Mecca. Suddenly, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him. The Angel commanded Muhammad to read. Muhammad responded that he could not read. The Angel Gabriel then taught Muhammad verses from the Quran, which Muhammad memorized. Eid al-fitr means the Celebration of Breaking the Fast and Recurring Happiness. When the new moon appears people know to end Ramadan and to begin Eid Al-Fitr. With the development of technology, scientists are now able to predict when the new moon will appear; still many people rely on watching for the new moon to officially begin Eid Al-Fitr. Eid Al-Fitr follows the Islamic Calendar. People watch for three new moons; this means that Eid Al-Fitr may begin on different days in different countries. Eid Al-Fitr is a time to celebrate all the good things in life and give thanks for all blessings. An important part of Eid Al-Fitr is performing acts of charity. During this

2 time each household pays a small tax, usually in money but ocassionally in food, which is given to the poor so that they may celebrate Eid Al-Fitr also. Homes are decorated and everyone wears new clothes. This is a time of giving and receiving and spending time with loved ones. In the mornings of Eid Al-Fitr people wake very early and attend prayers. These prayers are held in mosques and large open areas such as sports stadiums. After prayers everyone goes home to eat breakfast. Once breakfast is finished, the visiting begins. Families welcome friends and neighbors to wish them a happy Eid Al-Fitr and eat special cakes with them. Dinner is spent with family. Each day of Eid al-fitr is spent with a different branch of the family. Children receive gifts on Eid Al-Fitr, but they do not receive toys; they are given money. Children may collect quite a large sum of money if many family and friends visit. Eid Al-Fitr is also a time of reconciliation. Feuds and disputes are resolved. Obligations are fulfilled. Blessings are acknowledged. It is a time of happiness and good will among all people. Objectives Students will recognize and understand diverse religious and cultural beliefs and celebrations. Students will recognize and understand symbols and themes used in festivals. Kindergarten- 1 st Grade

3 Activities Fanoo Lantern These are lanterns made of colorful glass; traditionally children swing them and sing Ramadan songs. Students use 9 x12 light cardboard or paper to draw the outline of a lantern shape. Geometric shapes are cut out of the middle and use tempers, watercolor or markers to decorate the lantern. On the back students glue different colored tissue paper or cellophane over the geometric shapes. Completed lanterns are hung in the window so that light shines through the pretty colored tissue paper or cellophane. Night Sky Students learn about the different phases of the moon. They then construct their own night sky book made of blue construction paper with white construction paper used to represent each phase of the moon. Students will point out the new moon and how that indicates the beginning of Eid Al Fitr. Moon And Star Mobile Students draw different shapes from the night sky, i.e. moon or star out of construction paper. Color them with crayons or markers and cut them out. Students glue them onto a 4, 6 and 8 pieces of string or yarn. Once the yarn is dry the pieces

4 of string or yarn are tied onto a hanger or stick. A length of string or yarn is tied at the ends of the stick or hanger for hanging. Festival Coin Bank Students make banks for holding the coins that they receive as gifts. Use a milk carton or some other small container that can be closed. Cut a coin slot in one of the sides. Students then cover the outside with construction paper and paint the carton with tempera. Count coins before dropping them into the bank. Encourage students to put any coins they might have into the bank and use that money to help others. State Education Standards Social Studies; 1SS-R1- Describe how history is the story of events, people, and places in the past. 1SS-F1- Demonstrate the ability to place events in chronological sequence. 1SS-F2- Describe everyday life in the past and recognize that some aspects change and others stay the same. 1SS-F3- Use stories to describe past events, people, and places. Arts: 1AV-R1- Identify and use a variety of art media and techniques to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories. 1AV-R2- Recognize that the visual arts are a form of communication. 1AV-R3- Identify various subject matter, ideas, and symbols used in one s own work and work of others to convey meaning. 1AV-F1- Select and use subjects, themes and symbols in works of art. 1AV-F2- Use additional arts media, techniques, and processes to communicate a variety of ideas, experiences, and responses. 1AV-F7- Expand knowledge and use of different arts media. 3AV-R2- Know that art is a visual language and is a form of expression and communication.

5 3AV-F2- Understand there are various purposes for creating works of art. 3AV-F5- Describe how personal experiences and outside influences may affect the work of the artist, as well as the perceptions of the viewer. Reading Resources Burrow s Educational Series. (2004). Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid Ul- Fitr Story. Campbell, L. (1993). A World of Holidays. New York: Silver Moon Press. Cavendish, M. (1999). India. Sin pore: Grolier Books. Fitzjohn, S. (1993). Festivals Together. Gloucestershire: Hawthorn Press. Jones, J. (1986). Ramadan and Eid Ul-Fitr. The Blackie Publishing Group Jones, L. (2000). Celebrate! New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. McLeish, K. (1986). Eid Ul-Fitr The Wright Group. Moehne, H. (2000). World holiday s. New York: Grolier Publishers. Stone, S. (1988). Eid Ul-Fitr. New York: A&C Blade Ltd.. 2 nd -3 rd Grade

6 Activities Night Sky This is a two-day project. Before beginning the project, students observe the colors of the sunset and the outline of buildings/houses in their neighborhood. Paint a9 x12 sheet of white paper lightly with water. Use red, orange, pink, and purple watercolors on white paper, like the sunset dragging the paintbrush horizontally across the paper. The colors will blur together. This is the background. The next day, on a piece of black construction paper, students trace the outline of buildings on the paper. The lower half of the paper will be the shadow of the houses/buildings. Students then cut along the outline so that the top half of the paper, where the sky would be, falls away. The black paper will now have the shape of the buildings in profile. Students glue the black paper to the sunset background. The colors will appear above and between the buildings. Students then add an appropriate phrase of the moon for Eid al -Fitr above. Moon And Star Mobile Students draw different shapes from the night sky, i.e. moon or star, out of construction paper. Color them with crayons or markers and cut them out. Students glue them onto a 4, 6 and 8 pieces of string or yarn. Once the yarn is dry the pieces of string or yarn are tied onto a hanger or stick. A length of string or yarn is tied at the ends of the stick or hanger for hanging. Eid Al-Fitr Service Project Students work in groups or as a class to list possible service projects. After consideration of each possible project, students choose one to implement. Proposals are submitted and approved. Students solicit adult help and supervision to carry out the service project. A learning extension may include a food or clothing drive. Eid Al- Fitr Interview

7 Invite a representative from the local Islamic Center or mosque to speak about the spirit of Ramadan. Students prepare questions for the visitor. They then write about : Social Studies; Arts: what they have learned. State Education Standards 1SS-F1- Demonstrate the ability to place events in chronological sequence. 1SS-F2- Describe everyday life and recognize that some aspects change and others stay the same. 1SS-F3 Use stories to describe past events, people, and places. 1AV-F1- Select and use subjects, themes, and symbols in works of art. 1AV-F2- Use additional arts media, techniques, and processes to communicate a variety of ideas, experiences, and responses. 1AV-F7- Expand knowledge and use of different arts media. 3AV-F1- Identify and discuss the similarities and differences of art produced by themselves and others, using technology as one means of communicating personal ideas in a variety of forums. 3AV-F2- Understand there are various purposes for creating works of art. 3AV-F5- Describe how personal experiences and outside influences may affect the work of an artist, as well as the perceptions of the viewer. Reading Resources Burrow s Educational Series. (2004). Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid Ul- Fitr Story. Campbell, L. (1993). A World of Holidays. New York: Silver Moon Press. Cavendish, M. (1999). India. Singapore: Grolier Books. Fitzjohn, S. Festivals Together. Gloucestershire: Hawthorn Press. Jones, J. (1986). Ramadan and Eid Ul-Fitr. The Blackie Publishing Group Jones, L. (2000). Celebrate! New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. McLeish, K. (1986). Eid Ul-Fitr The Wright Group.

8 Moehne, H. (2000). World holiday s. New York: Grolier Publishers. Stone, S. (1988). Eid Ul-Fitr. New York: A&C Blade Ltd. 4 th -6 th Grade Activities Aid Al-Fitr Service Project Students work in groups or as a class to list possible service projects. After consideration of each possible project, students will choose one to implement. Proposals are submitted and approved. Students solicit adult help and supervision to carry out their service project. A learning extension may include a food or clothing drive. The 3D Night Sky Students use a box, such as a shoebox. Paint the inside of the box black or dark blue. Construct a night sky using three-dimensional material such as pipe cleaners, cotton balls, ping-pong balls, clay, and paper. Hang clouds, stars, and moon. Look at pictures of the night sky, and also discuss the phases of the moon, particularly the moon that indicates Eid Al -Fitr. Eid Al Fitr Interview

9 Invite a representative from the local Islamic Center or mosque to speak about the spirit of Ramadan. Students will prepare questions for the visitor. They will then write a journal about what they learned. Role Play Students imagine that they have been fasting. In groups or individually, write a skit about the experience. Include how they would act and feel if they were the person and why: a. A hard working parent. b. A homeless person. c. A hungry child. d. An owner of an expensive, luxury restaurant who throws away all of their unused foods. Night Sky This is a two-day project. Before beginning the project, students observe the colors of the sunset and the outline of buildings/houses in their neighborhood. Paint a9 x12 sheet of white paper lightly with water. Use red, orange, pink, and purple watercolors on white paper, like the sunset dragging the paintbrush horizontally across the paper. The colors will blur together. This is the background. The next day, on a piece of black construction paper, students trace the outline of buildings on the paper. The lower half of the paper will be the shadow of the houses/buildings. Students then cut along the outline so that the top half of the paper, where the sky would be, falls away. The black paper will now have the shape of the buildings in profile. Students glue the black paper to the sunset background. The colors will appear above and between the buildings. Students then add an appropriate phrase of the moon for Eid al -Fitr above. Social Studies; State Education Standards

10 1SS-E1- understand and apply the basic tools of historical research, including chronology and how to collect, interpret, and employ information from historical materials. 1SS-E8- Demonstrate and apply the basic tools of historical research, including how to construct timelines, frame questions that can be answered by historical study and research, and analyze and evaluate historical materials offering varied perspectives. 1SS-E9- Describe the geographic, political, and social characteristics of the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China and their contributions to later civilizations. 1SS-E11- Describe the major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 1SS-P2- Demonstrate knowledge of research sources and apply appropriate research methods, including framing open-ended questions, gathering pertinent information, and evaluating the evidence and point of view contained within primary and secondary sources. 1SS-P3- Develop historical interpretations in terms of the complexity of cause and effect and in the context in which ideas and past events unfolded. Arts: 1AV-E1- Choose the most appropriate media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of one s own ideas and experiences. 1AV-E2- Demonstrate increasing technical ability and skill to complete visual arts assignments. 2AV-E1- Use subjects, themes, and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of contexts, values, and aesthetics to communicate intended meaning in their artworks. 2AV-E4- Describe the role art plays in culture and how it reflects, records, and shapes history in various times, places, and traditions. Reading Resources Bennett, O. (1986). Ramadan and Eid Ul Fitr. Nelson Thornes.

11 Burrow s Educational Series. (2004). Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid Ul- Fitr Story. Campbell, L. (1993). A World of Holidays. New York: Silver Moon Press. Caner, E.M. (2002). Unveiling Islam: An Insider s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs. MI: Kregel Publications. Cavendish, M. (1999). India. Singapore: Grolier Books. Jones, J. (1986). Ramadan and Eid Ul-Fitr. The Blackie Publishing Group Jones, L. (2000). Celebrate! New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. McLeish, K. (1986). Eid Ul-Fitr. The Wright Group. Moehne, H. (2000). World Holidays. New York: Grolier Publishers. Stone, S. (1988). Eid Ul-Fitr. New York: A&C Blade Ltd. Websites