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Decorating for Ramadan Just Got a Little Easier

by Faiza Elmasry

   VIENNA, VIRGINIA --

   As the sun sets Tuesday, Muslims will begin observing the fasting month
   of Ramadan, the holiest on the Islamic calendar. They abstain from food
   and water from dawn to dusk, pray, and recite Quran.

   But, there is also a fun, festive side of the observance. That's the
   social gatherings for family and friends when they break their fast
   each evening, known as "Iftar." There are also special treats for kids
   who haven't yet reached the age when they are required to fast. And
   many Muslim families put up Ramadan decorations.

   Though it's not a religious requirement, decorating the house for
   Ramadan is a lovely, must-do tradition for Inas El Ayouby, who lives in
   Vienna, Virginia, with her family.

   "It gives my house such a nice, warm feeling and it makes it an extra
   special time," she explains. "And it's amazing how the decorations have
   the ability to create such a great delightful atmosphere and joyful
   mood throughout the month."

   Decorations, she adds, are especially important for children, teaching
   them about the month and making them love and anticipate it every year.

   To El Ayouby, who loves decorating her house for various occasions,
   from birthdays and Thanksgiving to Easter and the Fourth of July, says
   decorations are part of any celebration. Growing up in Egypt, El Ayouby
   recalls how her mother used to be creative, designing and making
   Ramadan decorations herself, as they were not sold in stores.

   That's what she did when her two kids were young, growing in America,
   when Ramadan was not a well-known event to non-Muslims.

   "I used to get most of my Ramadan decorations from Egypt where it's
   become a huge business and lucrative market. I also used to go to
   nearby craft stores. I also used to go on line and get beautiful post
   cards with different scenes of Ramadan, really beautiful. I print them
   out and put them in colorful frames, like red, blue and yellow to add
   to the decorations."

   Party City makes it easier

   This year, when the U.S. retail chain Party City introduced its Ramadan
   decorations line, El Ayouby was excited.

   "Everybody just went crazy. I can see all my friends on Facebook
   saying, go to Party City, go buy Ramadan stuff, you're going to find
   lovely things."

   "I was able to get the hanging decorations, the balloons, the napkins
   and plates, which is great because in the past, I used to get solid
   red-color paper plates and use colorful napkins to go with it to add
   some coloring. Now, we have the whole theme from Party City. That's
   really great."