Our country is full of wonders and has deep-rooted traditions and heritages that should be highlighted. Our traditions are varied and are related to certain occasions that are cherished by the people of this country. These traditions can never be forgotten or ignored as they are passed down from one generation to another.

One of the dearest occasions is Graish Day, which falls on the 30th of the lunar month of Sha’ban, only one day before Ramadan begins.

Kuwaitis used to celebrate this day in the old neighborhoods where everybody brought whatever food he could and all neighbors, relatives and friends shared having a group meal in the most glamorous and friendly atmosphere where they all sang and rejoiced at the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan when they would all enjoy Iftar, Sahour and the sweet drum beat of Abo Tbaila. (When someone who would go around streets beating a small drum before Shour to wake up the people to have their meals before they start fasting for the following day).

What a wonderful tradition it is! It will never be forgotten or spoiled by all the political conflicts of the world and has been revived by different generations over the years. In fact, it is not the food that gathers the people. It is, rather, their feeling of fraternity, love and compassion.

On the other hand, citizens who celebrate this occasion nowadays at their office during working hours should know better. They have been ignoring the social and historic significance of the occasion, which is being soiled by the exaggerated abundance of food and feasts that delay work and business in the establishments they work in. They are really reviving the occasion, but in the wrong place and time.

Oh, how wonderful were our old celebrations of this day, when long colorful banquets were thrown while people expressed gratitude to Allah for having lived through the year until the following Ramadan arrived. May Allah have mercy on the soul of aunt Um Saleh Al-Sammak, who used to tell us as kids: Enjoy the food all you can…

Today is the Graish and Tomorrow we’ll lose our Craish ( small paunches).

Congratulations everybody and wish you so many happy returns of Ramadan. — Al-Rai