Today, Eid has taken on a new meaning for Cephe, becoming synonymous with spending precious moments with her children. She cherishes their company during Eid, eagerly awaiting their knock on the door, the table set with relishing food.
Emine Ozcelik, a homemaker, was also nostalgic for the Eid holidays of past years, in what has become a popular sentiment among those old enough to have experienced them, many of whom voice this longing with the maxim: "Where are those Eids of old!"
"Our Eids were very lovely in the past. Now, I can't see that enthusiasm and excitement in the eyes of children today. They see Eids as if they were normal days," Ozcelik, 52, reproached.
She shares that for her, Eid has a certain bittersweetness, bringing up memories of her late parents, whom she used to visit during the holiday. "I feel sad when it (Eid) arrives."
Ozcelik fondly remembers her mother's tradition of giving her gifts of new clothes and shoes at each Eid. Those garments she wore with joy throughout the festivities and carefully stored them away in her closet to be worn again during Eid al-Adha, another Muslim holiday that follows weeks after.
"I have a clear memory of being overjoyed with the new clothes and holding them close as I went to bed on the eve of the festival," she reminisced, with a smile on her face.
Ozcelik's eyes lit up as she recalled eagerly waiting for her father to return from the mosque after performing the Eid prayer. Her heart would flutter with excitement as she anticipated how she would spend the pocket money her father gave her as a gift after kissing his hand.
In Turkish tradition, people demonstrate respect to their elders by kissing their hands and placing them on their foreheads as a sign of honor.
In addition to celebrating with food and gifts, Eid al-Fitr holds a special significance as a time to practice forgiveness and seek reconciliation. It is a time to cultivate compassion and let go of past grievances, fostering a spirit of kindness and goodwill towards all.
