Muslims Celebrate End of Ramadan

December 26, 2000

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On December 26, 2000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that on December 27, Muslims would celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the "feast of fast-breaking," which "marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset." They chose the 27th because the holiday is not declared until the new moon is sighted, which would happen Wednesday. "The festivities can continue for three days, with the large communal prayer on the first day...Girls decorate their hands with intricate henna designs, women sing and dance to traditional songs and everyone eats -- a lot...Muslims in each city try to rent one large gathering place for all the worshippers." The celebration also includes giving gifts or money to children.