Central Park Elementary has a very diverse population. We have more than 40 different languages spoken in the homes of our students. At Central Park the students learn about each others cultures and celebrations.
Muslims all over the world celebrated Eid Ul Adha the “Festival of sacrifice”
On this day of Eid, Muslims celebrate the story of Prophet Abraham.This day also marks the completion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca(Makkah) where millions have gathered to perform the spiritual journey of Hajj.
It is a day of happiness, a day to forgive and forget any differences. For many families the day starts with a visit to the mosque, where families will participate in a congregational prayer. For the rest of this auspicious day, everyone enjoys gathering with friends and family to share specially prepared food and gifts. Giving alms to the poor is also a very important part of the Eid day. In the lead up to Eid, children often help to prepare sweet treats and gifts for those less fortunate than themselves. It is a time for appreciation, celebration and remembrance.
Muslims celebrate two major holidays: Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Because the holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, the dates of the holidays move 11 days earlier every year.
Eid ul-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is celebrated at the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan during which participating Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. This year, Eid ul-Fitr was on Wednesday, July 6th.
Eid ul-Adha, or the Festival of the Sacrifice, was celebrated on Monday and Tuesday earlier this week Eid ul-Adha celebrates the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage) period, during which up to three million Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia in a sign of unity and commemoration of the story of the Prophet Abraham. Muslims believe that theKaaba (cubical structure and house of worship) was built by Abraham and his son, Ishmael. During the hajj, pilgrims participate in rites mimicking the story of Abraham, including the sacrifice he was asked to make.
The hajj is also a profound show of unity amongst people from around the world. Pilgrims wear simple white garments, erasing all physical signs of who is rich or poor, powerful or weak. On the Hajj, all are equal.
On Eid, Muslims around the world celebrate by praying in local mosques together, visiting each other in their homes, and donating food and money to the less fortunate. Children receive gifts and new clothes. And, of course, there is always lots of yummy food!
Eid Luncheon
Thank you so very much for the delicious luncheon provided by our parents in celebration of the Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha. We treasure learning about and taking part in the many rich cultures and holidays our student body represents.
With much appreciation,
Team Chameleon!
Today our parent community, led bu Shaella Ameen, provided our staff a wonderful luncheon to celebrate the holiday Eid Ul Adha the “Festival of sacrifice.”
Thank you so much for teaching us about your culture and making us feel so special.
