Fast, Pray, Give: An Introduction to Eid
As a gifting holiday rich with tradition we are curious to learn more about the Muslim holiday of Eid, or Eid al-Fitr. We asked friends Julie and Tarek Alkatout, founders of Eidna Cheer, for an introduction to Ramadan, Eid and the joyful traditions that bond family and community in devotion and celebration throughout. We met Julie and Tarek years ago when we helped bring their vision of Eid and Ramadan specific wrapping papers to life for their shop, Eidna Cheer, and have enjoyed being connected since via Instagram and production runs.
From their home in Minnesota, the Alkatouts share a basic understanding of the holiday, as well as some very sweet personal ways they bring the holiday to life with their children. Read on to learn more about Eid with us…
What is the holiday of Eid all about?
There are two Eid holidays that Muslims celebrate, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast (no eating or drinking) between dawn and sunset. Ramadan is a time of reflection, renewal and deepening connection to God, as well as connections to family and friends. While adults fast, children are taught about the importance of doing good deeds and giving to others. Muslims traditionally gather at sunset to break the fast together. Evenings are often festive as we savor great food followed by night prayers.
Eid al-Fitr continues this festivity with renewed energy now that we can eat (and drink coffee) during the daylight hours. In the morning Muslims gather for prayer, then celebrate with breakfast and festivals that communities organize with artists offering intricate henna tattoos, bounce houses for the kids, and the like. It is traditional for aunts, uncles, grandparents, other relatives and family friends to give children money and gifts on the Eid holidays. This is called Eidiyah.
A unique aspect about Eid al-Fitr is that it occurs about 11 days earlier every year because it is marked by the lunar calendar.
Listen: How to pronounce Eid Al-Fitr
What type of decorations are used for Eid?
Traditional decorations for Ramadan and Eid are lanterns, moons, stars, string lights, string pom poms, and tassels. Calligraphy of Arabic script is also part of many decorations saying Ramadan Mubarak, Eid Mubarak (meaning Blessed Ramadan or Eid).
Children craft paper lanterns and hang them in the house. We have string lights shaped like lanterns. The colors we use for Eid are blue and silver, but others can be used. An Egyptian friend shared that red and green are theme colors in Egypt. One blogger out there is trying to establish purple as the Eid color.
We make moon and star-shaped sugar cookies and decorate them. We also have cookie cutters shaped as mosques, lanterns, and camels. The kids have a lot of fun with this. I traditionally bake baklava (learned from my mother-in-law) which we give to neighbors, family, and friends. The kids like to make cards for the family.
What are some of your family’s Eid traditions?
Our children track the month of Ramadan using a wall calendar made by their grandmother. They see that certain days are different colors which indicate a gift day. We give small gifts on the first day, 15th day, and 27th day (this day is selected to observe the "night of power,” which is thought to be the night the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad.) Larger gifts are given on the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
We track good deeds that the children do throughout the month. We put a tree branch in a vase by the window and craft paper flowers in bright colors and keep them in a jar next to the branch. Each time they do a good deed, the children get to attach a flower to the branch. Throughout the month, they see how their actions make the tree flourish with beautiful flowers. We have a jar with ideas of good deeds, like calling their grandmother, shoveling snow for a neighbor, or packing food donations.
On Eid, we meet with extended family for morning prayer at the mosque. Before the congregational prayer, the religious leader (imam) gives a lesson called a khutba (like a sermon in church). One of the major messages we always hear is to make our Eid holiday special for our kids, that we should take the day off from work and school, give gifts, celebrate and make wonderful memories together. After going out for breakfast we gather at home to open gifts. We've extended the giving tradition to adults, as well. Afterwards we go do a fun activity together as a family.
Because of the lunar calendar the holiday shifts throughout the seasons making each celebration unique. When our 15 year old son was little, we celebrated Eid by going to the apple orchard, a very fun Minnesota tradition in the fall. When the holiday happens in summer we have backyard BBQs with outdoor movies. Last year Eid was in spring, so we took the kids to the Zoo and enjoyed being outside after a long winter.
When Tarek was growing up in the Middle East they had three days off from school, it was their tradition to spend the time visiting aunt and uncle's homes throughout the days and at night everyone would gather for dinner festivities. In Minnesota today, some school districts are implementing a day off for Eid, which is very exciting to see. We've had the kids miss school as an excused absence for Eid, but it will be much more equitable when they don't need to miss instruction to observe their religious holiday.
Tell us about Eidna Cheer!
As a Muslim American mom of three, I love to make our holidays special for our family and community. After several years of searching for representative gift wrap designed for the gifts we give during Ramadan and Eid, I decided to create it myself!
As a scientist by training and profession, creating this gift wrap gave me a new outlet for innovation and attention to detail. My Ramadan Mubarak wrap pattern, for example, artistically portrays an entire year of lunar phases with the ninth phase highlighted to represent the month of Ramadan. Our designs are whimsical and fun while being meaningful.
Sustainability is core to my values and I didn't want to create unnecessary waste or exhaust limited resources. I collaborated with amazing women to make this happen, and I'm proud to provide gift wrap that is both eco-friendly and festive for our holidays. Through our collaboration with Wrappily, our gift wrap is made of recycled paper, printed with soy ink, and is fully compostable. I hope to add to the joy of your family's celebration this year with Eidna Cheer gift wrap!
Many thanks to Julie and Tarek Alkatout of Eidna Cheer for sharing more about the Ramadan and Eid holidays with us and sharing their family’s stories.
Featured Products
Teal - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Teal cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Coral - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
– Sold OutLoop it, tie it, curl it –– this Coral cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Orchid - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Orchid cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Fern - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
– Sold OutLoop it, tie it, curl it –– this Fern green cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Silver (Paper Ribbon)
$7.50
-
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
-
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
Midnight Blue - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Midnight Blue cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Gold (Paper Ribbon)
$7.50
-
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
-
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
Starry Night Natural Cotton Curling Ribbon Bundle, 3 Spools
$19.49
– Sold OutAll the colors inspired by a Starry Night - Bundle and Save on our Natural Cotton Curling Ribbon, 30 yds total on plastic-free recycled kraft spools. Loop it, tie it, curl it. This bundle includes: Midnight Blue, 10 yds Curry, 10 yds Grey & Cream Stripe, 10 yds. Perfect for Hanukkah and everyday gifting celebrations
Our artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is committed to the highest levels of sustainability. They use water-based dyes, soy-based non-toxic inks, and cotton yarn that is 100% grown and dyed in the USA.
Spool measurements: 1/2" x 10yds. each
Red (Paper Ribbon)
$7.50
-
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
-
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
Solid Green - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
– Sold OutLoop it, tie it, curl it –– this Green cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Solid Red - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Red cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Green & White Stripe - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Green & White Stripe cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Red & White Stripe - Cotton Curling Ribbon
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Red & White Stripe cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
- Curls easily with scissors. Crimped or uncrimped - this ribbon curls like magic.
- Get creative with your ribbon styles - split into thinner strands or even quill into fun shapes to use as a gift topper. The sky is the limit! Check out our blog for more creative ideas.
- Feel good choosing a ribbon that’s plastic-free, compostable, and biodegradable. It really makes an impact to green-up gifting!
Sustainable Materials:
- Uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbon is 1/2” wide. Each spool is 10 yards.
- Beautiful COLOR made with water-based dyes and soy-based non-toxic ink.
- Made in the USA with cotton yarn sustainably grown & dyed by an artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Plastic-free packaging on a cardboard spool.
Care & Disposal Instructions:
- Store in cool, dry area outside of direct sunlight to preserve color.
- Uncoated ribbon is stiffer than its plastic counterparts and may require a heavier hand to hold & tie. We recommend creasing the corners where the ribbon wraps around your box for a nice crisp look.
- Compost in your green bin or in the backyard with your compostable gift wrap.
Navy (Paper Ribbon)
$7.50
-
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
-
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
Green Glitter Hemp Twine
$8.00
– Sold OutFestive as a fir tree on Christmas Eve, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
Red Sparkle Hemp Twine
$8.00
– Sold OutRed as rich as a royalty, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
Black/ Gold Hemp Twine
$7.29 $8.00
Black as a starry-midnight sky, this premium-grade polished 100% hemp twine is a dainty touch that packs a punch for your gift wrapping. Brilliantly colored with a touch of metallic sparkle, this fine crafted twine is biodegradable, eco-friendly, vegan, AZO dye-free, and oil-free.
Cord diameter is 1mm, 205 ft. spool.
