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Eid 101: Five facts about Eid al-Fitr

5. Celebrations around the world

Aaron Favila/AP
Filipino Muslims buy balloons during Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, at Manila's Rizal Park, Philippines Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013.

Though Eid celebrations are similar in most places, many countries around the world flavor the holiday with their own traditions.

In Turkey, Eid is called Ramazan Bayram, meaning Ramadan Feast, or Şeker Bayram, which means "sugar feast" for the sweet foods such as baklava that are typically eaten. Reverence for the elderly is particularly emphasized during this period, and older citizens are greeted with a kiss to their right hands.

Eid is referred to as Idul Fitri or Lebaran in Indonesia. During the holiday, many Indonesian Muslims visit the graves of deceased family members where they will clean the gravesite and pray to Allah for forgiveness.

The Philippines is the only Christian country in the world to recognize Eid as a national holiday, known to most as Wakas ng Ramadan. The national holiday was declared in order to promote unity between Filipino Muslims and the rest of the population.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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