Various Ramadan Traditions in Kuwait

Every nation and community develops a set of traditions and customs over the ages that come to symbolize the culture of the land. Kuwait too has its own unique Ramadan traditions that have been observed by generations of locals and residents of this country, and are a source of comfort and belonging.

According to the Kuwait Times News, In Kuwait, the firing of the cannon attracts dozens of families and children daily, and is broadcast live on Kuwait TV and radio. The open yard in the palace where the ceremony takes place is set up to resemble pre-oil Kuwait, complete with vintage cars, artisans and children in traditional garb. The firing is conducted by three uniformed guards in red livery. A few of Kuwait’s other rich Ramadan traditions have also stood the passage of time, continuously evolving to reflect changing social, economic and familial developments.

Ramadan in Kuwait has its own set of distinctive customs and rituals kept alive by the people. The Kuwaiti people evoke the past with all its beautiful details – from the traditional costumes and dishes, to the special Ramadan celebrations held nowadays. Several Kuwaiti families continue with the custom of organizing these celebrations during this month, because of their delightful effect on the young and the adults alike. In spite of the progress of life and civilization, these Ramadan-related customs maintain their inherent traditional color.

However, some people are of the view that these traditions have become very different from the past, as they have become more commercially oriented and little more than a means of distracting children and housewives and distancing them from the beloved traditions of the past.

Interesting thing about the Kuwait tradition is that, in Kuwait children usually dress in traditional clothes and go around the neighborhood in groups holding small bags and singing special songs. Gergean is held on the 13th, 14th or the 15th of Ramadan when the moon is full.

“Gergean is somewhat like another version of Halloween, but without the scary part. Children go from one house to another and knock on neighbors’ doors asking for candy and nuts,” said citizen Mariam Jaffar in an interview to Arab News.