Updated: June 24, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Sweet welcome for UAE children celebrating Haq Al Lailah
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - June 23 2013 - Maitha Al Jabri, 4, and Hind Al-Suwaidi, 10, both cousins, pack little bags filled with sweets and crisps with at their home in the Leyyah district of the city. They are preparing for Hag El Leila, an Emirati tradition that occurs every year 15 days before the start of the month of Ramadan. The tradition involves children walking from door-to-door singing and collecting sweets and money. (Razan Alzayani / The National) FOR RYM GHAZAL STORY *** Local Caption *** RA0623_hag_el_layla_002.jpg
Mohammad Al Jabri,12, packs little bags filled with sweets and crisps with his cousins at their home in the Al Layyah, Sharjah.
It is often related to Shaaban, especially mid-Shaaban when it is considered a particularly sacred time, where deeds are carried up to the heavens. It is also an important time of remembrance. On this night, some Muslims perform special prayers called naw???
The tradition is celebrated throughout the Gulf nations and is known by different names, including Shaabaniya in Abu Dhabi, Gergi’an in Kuwait, Garga’on in Bahrain and Elgarangasho in Oman.
It was the night the vampires took over the streets of Al Layyah freej – complete with plastic fangs attached to sugar-coated jelly tongues.
“Its origin and how it came about is lost with time, but it is a cultural tradition not a religious one,� said Samira Al Ghais, who works for Sharjah Museums.
“More, more, more,� children squealed as they ran from house to house, gobbling sweets while knocking on doors. With one hand extended they pushed the other into their bags to make more room.
For the four Al Suwaidi sisters, Haq Al Lailah is planned like a military operation as they set into gear their foolproof strategy to guarantee them the best collection of goodies.
The older generation give out assortments of nuts, often raw peanuts and salted chick peas, along with the sweets. It is a healthy option that the children do not particularly care for. “They don’t taste good. We can get nuts at home. We want the chee???
Maitha Al Jabri, 4, struggles to walk home as she carries her haul. Children say they aim for the houses with younger people because they give out the latest brands and more popular chocolate and sweets.
“We go to the most generous neighbours first,� says Awashi. “We remember who gave what last year and those who gave out the best sweets we go to visit first. We also remember those who didn’t give good sweets and we go to them last.
Awashi Al Suwaidi, 12, centre, jokes around with her family after opening her two bags filled with sweets and crisps. Every mid-Shaaban – 15 days before the holy month of Ramadan – Emirati children celebrate Haq Al Lailah (for this night) by gathering???