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{{About|Ashura||Ashura (disambiguation)}} |
{{About|Ashura||Ashura (disambiguation)}} |
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{{Algerian Islamic reference}} |
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{{Multiple issues| |
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{{More citations needed|date=January 2021}} |
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{{Sufism}} |
{{Sufism}} |
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{{History of Algeria}} |
{{History of Algeria}} |
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In [[Algeria]], the [[Islamic holidays|Islamic festival]] of '''[[Ashura]]''' ({{lang-ar|يوم عاشوراء}}), on 10 [[Muharram]], is a public holiday, traditionally marked by celebration, [[zakat]]-giving, fasting, and cemetery visits<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/229294|title=Le repas de l'Achoura, un moment de grande convivialité|website=Djazairess}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219725|title=L'Achoura, de la pure tradition|website=Djazairess}}</ref> depending on the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219980|title=Les senteurs de Achoura|website=Djazairess}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/64908|title=FETE DE ACHOURA : La journée du samedi chômée et payée|website=Djazairess}}</ref> In some areas the celebration incorporates dances, music, and masquerades. |
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In [[Algeria]], the '''Day of Ashura''' ({{lang-ar|يوم عاشوراء}} ; meaning the tenth day) has been traditionally a day of celebration and joy, because [[Ashura]] is celebrated on the tenth day of [[Muharram]] across the [[Muslim world]].<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219980</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/64908</ref> [[Algerian people]], however, embrace this day with cheerful remembrance of those who have died, and it is a custom to pay visit to cemetery in order to pray for the departed ones.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/229294</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219725</ref> |
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== |
==Legal status== |
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The day of |
The day of [[Ashura]] is one of twelve<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicholidays.africa/algeria/|title=Algeria Public Holidays|website=PublicHolidays.africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/26433|title=FETE DE L'ACHOURA : La journée de jeudi chômée et payée|website=Djazairess}}</ref> paid [[public holidays in Algeria]], codified as such by law since 1963<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joradp.dz/JRN/ZF1963.htm?zAnn=1963 |title=Journal Officiel de la République Algérien, 2 août 1963, loi no. 63-278 |publisher=Joradp.dz |date= |accessdate=2021-02-03}}</ref> (shortly after [[Algerian War|independence]]), and still in force today.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/apsfr/330321|title=Fête de l'Achoura : la journée de jeudi chômée et payée|website=Djazairess}}</ref> |
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Ashura's status as a public holiday in Algeria contrasts with the situation in some other [[Muslim countries]], such as [[Public holidays in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]] or [[Public holidays in Indonesia|Indonesia]], reflecting this holiday's traditional importance in Algerian culture. |
Ashura's status as a public holiday in Algeria contrasts with the situation in some other [[Muslim countries]], such as [[Public holidays in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]] or [[Public holidays in Indonesia|Indonesia]], reflecting this holiday's traditional importance in Algerian culture. |
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== |
==Date== |
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{{Main|Islamic holidays}} |
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{{See also|Islamic calendar}} |
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The feast of ''Ashura'', like other [[Muslim festivals]], is celebrated according to the [[Hijri calendar]] which differs from year to year, according to a sliding mode of eleven days, and therefore according to the local phenomena of the different [[lunar phase]]s, hence dates which vary from year to year.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/31738</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/apsfr/509027</ref> |
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The festival of Ashura, like other [[Islamic holidays]], is celebrated according to the [[Islamic calendar]], which uses a lunar year eleven days shorter than the solar year. Its date in the [[Gregorian calendar]], which is solar, therefore varies from year to year. |
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== Zawiyas and spirituality == |
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[[File:Quran Reading.JPG|thumb|[[Hizb Rateb]] and [[Salka (Sufism)|Salka]].]] |
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{{Main|Zawiyas in Algeria}} |
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{{See also|Mosques in Algeria}} |
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On the religious and spiritual level, in addition to the ''[[Fasting in Islam|Fast]]'' observed on the day of ''Ashura'', and even a day before and possibly the next day, mosques and zawiyas welcome many faithful and [[murid]]s who have come to fulfill the [[dhikr]] of God (Allah) Almighty.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/horizons/5277</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24714</ref> |
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== Religious aspects == |
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This is how Algerian [[Muslims]] therefore consider ''Ashura'' to be a dedicated and memorable day of fasting.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/32519</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/113224</ref> |
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Among the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] majority of Algeria, following Sunni tradition, Ashura is considered as the anniversary of many blessed events in sacred history, such as the saving of [[Moses in Islam|Moses]] and his people from Pharaoh, the saving of [[Noah]] and his family from the Flood, the repentance of [[Adam]], etc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24714|title=Une portée multidimensionnelle|website=Djazairess}}</ref> Popular tradition in many regions thus treats it as an occasion for celebration and happiness, contrasting with [[Shia Islam in Algeria|Shia]] tradition, in which Ashura is an occasion for mourning. This is, however, controversial within Sunni Islam, in Algeria and more broadly; [[Salafi movement|Salafis]], for instance, often cite [[Ibn Taymiyyah]], who condemned the celebration of Ashura with special dishes, kohl, henna, etc. in his own time as a [[Bidʻah|religious innovation]] overreacting against Shia practice.<ref>Ibn Taymiyyah, [https://shamela.ws/book/7289/12747 ''Kitab Majmu` al-Fatawa'', sec. ''Su'ila `amma yaf`aluhu nnas fi yawm `Ashura min al-Kuhl wa-l-Hinna'']; relevant portions translated at [https://islamqa.info/en/answers/4033/ruling-on-celebrating-aashooraa-or-taking-it-as-a-day-of-mourning Islam Q &A]</ref> |
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In general, Algerians like to fast this day in a climate of conviviality and therefore complete the fast and take the meal with the family.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/93041</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/393436</ref> |
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While Islam does not require [[zakat]] to be paid on a particular day, it is customary in Algeria to pay it on Ashura.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/82116|title=Coutumes & Traditions|website=Djazairess}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/4726|title='Achoura et Aïd Al-Adha|website=Djazairess}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/horizons/5277|title=L'Achoura : Une signification spirituelle et sociale|website=Djazairess}}</ref> This practice is sometimes accompanied by material donations to the poor or by discount sales.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219415|title=Les préparatifs de la fête de l'Achoura ont commencé|website=Djazairess}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/93041|title=Tlemcen|website=Djazairess}}</ref> |
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==Tradition and Customs== |
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[[Sufism|Sufi]] brotherhoods and [[Zawiya (institution)|zawiya]]s often organize special events for Ashura, including [[dhikr]].<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/393436|title=Saïda : la zaouïa Moulay Tayeb fête Achoura|website=Djazairess}}</ref> These may include tomb visits; for instance, in [[Bouzeguene]], women traditionally visit a marabout's mausoleum on Ashura,<ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/liberte/210623|title=Célébration de l'Achoura à Bouzeguène|website=Djazairess}}</ref> while near [[Timimoun]], Ashura is the occasion for an annual visit ([[Ziyarat|ziyara]]) to the tomb of a local saint, Sidi El Cherif.<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|author=Par admin |url=https://babzman.com/biyanou-celebration-de-achoura-chez-les-populations-sahariennes/ |title=Biyanou, célébration de Achoura chez les populations sahariennes |publisher=Babzman |date=2017-10-02 |accessdate=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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== Celebration == |
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{{Main|Culture of Algeria}} |
{{Main|Culture of Algeria}} |
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{{See also|Tasu'a|Sebiba}} |
{{See also|Tasu'a|Sebiba}} |
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''[[Algerians]]'' see the ''Ashura'' as a prophetic tradition and a cultural custom, hence the fact that ''Ashura'' day has different meanings for families and individuals.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219415</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/82116</ref> |
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At sunset, the Ashura fast is typically broken with a feast. In [[Algiers]], chicken is preferred, raising its price considerably in the run-up to Ashura;<ref>{{cite web | title=Le poulet prend des ailes | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/49718 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Le prix du poulet baisse et la viande stagne | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/184341 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Les prix du poulet s'envolent | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/1682629 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> in the [[Ouarsenis]], rougag with chicken;<ref name="auto">{{cite web | title=Le repas de Achoura, un moment de grande convivialité | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/207548 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> in the [[M'zab]], a bean dish (''ibawen'');<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | title=" Ibaoun ", Une tradition culilaire : Les fèves de la région du M'zab | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/147148 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> in [[Bouzeguene]], [[couscous]] with mutton saved from [[Eid al-Adha]];<ref name="auto6"/> in [[Sidi Bel Abbès]], [[tharid|trid]].<ref>{{cite web | title="Trid" au menu | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/7754 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> In other places, popular choices include [[dolma]], [[ghoriba]], refiss, or [[baghrir]].<ref name="auto"/> This dinner feast may also be used as the occasion to gather together [[zakat]] payments in kind, as at [[Laghouat]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Célébration de la fête de l'Achoura | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/84496 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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Since this celebration is commemorated on the tenth day of the month of [[Muharram]], which is the first month of the [[Hijri year]], Algerians experience this joy according to the tradition of [[Sunni Islam]] which has marked for centuries the [[history of Algeria]] and that of the [[Maghreb]].<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/32585</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/4726</ref> |
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In [[Tlemcen]], women and children traditionally decorate themselves with [[henna]] for the occasion.<ref>{{cite web|author=M. Vonderheyden |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/jafr_0037-9166_1934_num_4_1_1564 |title=Le henné chez les musulmans de l'Afrique du Nord - Persée |publisher=Persee.fr |date=2008-03-10 |accessdate=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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This is how ''Ashura'' is celebrated differently and in many ways by the [[Fasting in Islam|Fast]], the festivity and the pious commemoration, where each citizen marks this sacred day in his own way.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/7689</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/147148</ref> |
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In many regions, the celebration also takes on overtly carnivalesque aspects, some of which have been claimed to be relics of pre-Islamic practices such as [[Saturnalia]].<ref name="auto4">{{cite journal | title=Ašura. (Achoura) | journal=Encyclopédie berbère | issue=8 | date=1990-07-01 | issn=1015-7344 | pages=1231–1232 | url=http://journals.openedition.org/encyclopedieberbere/233 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> In some parts of [[Kabylie]], Ashura was traditionally marked by masquerades, where people put on sharp-toothed masks or dressed up as donkeys or slaves.<ref name="auto4"/><ref>Musso J.-Cl. « Masques de l’Achoura en Grande-Kabylie », Libyca, t. XVIII, 1970, p. 269-274.</ref> In [[Ouargla]] and [[Gourara]], the associated celebration is called "Biyanou", and children go trick-or-treating that day asking for snacks and sweets.<ref name="auto5"/> In the [[M'zab]] region in the south, children put on [[Kohl (cosmetics)|kohl]] and likewise go trick-or-treating from house to house, singing "Aba nouh"<ref>{{cite web | title="Ibaoun", l'incontournable plat des fêtes de l'Achoura | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/93042 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> and asking for sweets.<ref name="auto3"/> In southeastern Algeria among the [[Tuareg]], Ashura is traditionally marked by the [[Sebiba]] festival, featuring dancing and music.<ref>{{cite web | title=Prière et traditions | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/32519 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Dix jours de fête et une histoire | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/113224 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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This celebration may be also preceded by the ''Fast'' of the [[Tasu'a]] ({{lang-ar|تاسوعاء}}, romanized: Tāsū‘ā’) which is the ninth day of ''Muharram'' and the day before ''Ashura''.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/82172</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/infosoir/93042</ref> |
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==Charity== |
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In southeastern Algeria among the [[Tuareg]], Ashura is traditionally marked by the [[Sebiba]] festival, featuring dancing and music. |
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== Gastronomy == |
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{{Main|Algerian cuisine}} |
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The celebration of the feast of ''Ashura'' is also distinguished by the culinary aspect specific to each geographical region of Algeria.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/49718</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/184341</ref> |
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This is how housewives prepare favorite traditional dishes, such as [[couscous]], [[dolma]], [[ghoriba]], refiss, [[baghrir]] and other succulent and tantalizing dishes, and to concoct delicious traditional dishes to present to tasters.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/1682629</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/207548</ref> |
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==Solidarity== |
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{{Main|Zakat}} |
{{Main|Zakat}} |
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The tradition of giving [[zakat]] to the poor and holding collective feasts at Ashura contributes to the holiday's role in Algeria as an occasion for solidarity and social assistance.<ref>{{cite web | title=Achoura, une fête de communion et de solidarité | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219722 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Le bon geste | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24725 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=TRAIT D'UNION : ''Achoura'', la fête des démunis | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/31738 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=La population se prépare pour la fête de l'Achoura | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/229180 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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The feast of ''Ashura'' is an opportunity for Algerians to make the traditions of solidarity and social assistance prevail.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/219722</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24725</ref> |
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Indeed, this religious holiday is long-awaited by the poorest most destitute to receive [[Zakat]] from the rich as it is decreed in the [[Sharia]] of [[Islam]], and this is how this holiday is experienced in a way very particular by underprivileged populations.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/31738</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/229180</ref> |
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Indeed, from the first day of each month of ''Muharram'', the arteries and commercial streets of Algerian cities are stormed by citizens, particularly housewives who come to stock up on various items and products, displayed at reduced prices.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/32006</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/29324</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lnr/84496</ref> |
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This craze is also observed at the level of shops in town centers and Souks. The urban cities are transformed during this day, in a gigantic market where all kinds of products are exposed, in particular the articles piled up for a long time on the shelves of the stores.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/latribune/44602</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lqo/5113531</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/71297</ref> |
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In many Algerian cities, such as [[Tlemcen]], Ashura is the occasion for discount sales, starting from the first day of the month of [[Muharram]], and attracting crowds.<ref>{{cite web | title=Une culture ancestrale | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/29324 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> The urban cities are transformed during this day, in a gigantic market where all kinds of products are exposed, in particular articles that have been in stock too long.<ref>{{cite web | title=Le nombre de démunis se maintient à Bouira | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/latribune/44602 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Grande affluence pour Achoura: Entre mendiants et... professionnels | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lqo/5113531 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Célébration typique de la fête de l'Achoura à Laghouat | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/71297 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Un rite à réimprégner dans la société | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24594 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Quand les riches se dérobent | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/350712 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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For most traders, ''Ashura'' is the perfect time to get rid of old goods, either by offering them to the poor or by cutting prices.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/24594</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/elwatan/350712</ref> |
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The poorest who have received their share of |
The poorest who have received their share of Zakat take advantage of this windfall to do their shopping.<ref>{{cite web | title=Achoura à Larbaâ Nath-Irathen | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/lexpression/17789 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=SIDI-BEL-ABBES : Achoura : Un rite religieux d'espoir et de tolérance | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/reflexion/9129 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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== Newborns == |
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{{Main|Achour (disambiguation)}} |
{{Main|Achour (disambiguation)}} |
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Algerian |
AnAlgerian child born on or around Ashura was traditionally often given the first name [[Achour]] in honour of the occasion.<ref>{{cite web | title=Achour et Achoura | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/135028 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Les délires du jeudi | website=Djazairess | url=https://www.djazairess.com/fr/letemps/1001367 | language=fr | access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> |
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Many parents prefer to reserve infants' first haircut for the day of Ashura.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> |
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The days of ''Ashura'' are also days of blessing for the engagement of future couples who make this event coincide with the date of ''Ashura''.<ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/liberte/210623</ref><ref>https://www.djazairess.com/fr/setiffr/3653</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Public holidays in Algeria}} |
{{Public holidays in Algeria}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Culture of Algeria]] |
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[[Category:Islamic culture]] |
[[Category:Islamic culture]] |
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[[Category:Sufism in Algeria]] |
[[Category:Sufism in Algeria]] |
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[[Category:Public holidays in Algeria]] |
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[[Category:Festivals in Algeria]] |
[[Category:Festivals in Algeria]] |
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[[Category:Ash'ari]] |
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{{Islam-stub}} |
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{{Algeria-stub}} |
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InAlgeria, the Islamic festivalofAshura (Arabic: يوم عاشوراء), on 10 Muharram, is a public holiday, traditionally marked by celebration, zakat-giving, fasting, and cemetery visits[1][2] depending on the region.[3][4] In some areas the celebration incorporates dances, music, and masquerades.
The day of Ashura is one of twelve[5][6] paid public holidays in Algeria, codified as such by law since 1963[7] (shortly after independence), and still in force today.[8]
Ashura's status as a public holiday in Algeria contrasts with the situation in some other Muslim countries, such as Saudi ArabiaorIndonesia, reflecting this holiday's traditional importance in Algerian culture.
The festival of Ashura, like other Islamic holidays, is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar, which uses a lunar year eleven days shorter than the solar year. Its date in the Gregorian calendar, which is solar, therefore varies from year to year.
Among the Sunni majority of Algeria, following Sunni tradition, Ashura is considered as the anniversary of many blessed events in sacred history, such as the saving of Moses and his people from Pharaoh, the saving of Noah and his family from the Flood, the repentance of Adam, etc.[9] Popular tradition in many regions thus treats it as an occasion for celebration and happiness, contrasting with Shia tradition, in which Ashura is an occasion for mourning. This is, however, controversial within Sunni Islam, in Algeria and more broadly; Salafis, for instance, often cite Ibn Taymiyyah, who condemned the celebration of Ashura with special dishes, kohl, henna, etc. in his own time as a religious innovation overreacting against Shia practice.[10]
While Islam does not require zakat to be paid on a particular day, it is customary in Algeria to pay it on Ashura.[11][12][13] This practice is sometimes accompanied by material donations to the poor or by discount sales.[14][15]
Sufi brotherhoods and zawiyas often organize special events for Ashura, including dhikr.[15][16] These may include tomb visits; for instance, in Bouzeguene, women traditionally visit a marabout's mausoleum on Ashura,[17] while near Timimoun, Ashura is the occasion for an annual visit (ziyara) to the tomb of a local saint, Sidi El Cherif.[18]
At sunset, the Ashura fast is typically broken with a feast. In Algiers, chicken is preferred, raising its price considerably in the run-up to Ashura;[19][20][21] in the Ouarsenis, rougag with chicken;[22] in the M'zab, a bean dish (ibawen);[23]inBouzeguene, couscous with mutton saved from Eid al-Adha;[17]inSidi Bel Abbès, trid.[24] In other places, popular choices include dolma, ghoriba, refiss, or baghrir.[22] This dinner feast may also be used as the occasion to gather together zakat payments in kind, as at Laghouat.[25]
InTlemcen, women and children traditionally decorate themselves with henna for the occasion.[26]
In many regions, the celebration also takes on overtly carnivalesque aspects, some of which have been claimed to be relics of pre-Islamic practices such as Saturnalia.[27] In some parts of Kabylie, Ashura was traditionally marked by masquerades, where people put on sharp-toothed masks or dressed up as donkeys or slaves.[27][28]InOuargla and Gourara, the associated celebration is called "Biyanou", and children go trick-or-treating that day asking for snacks and sweets.[18] In the M'zab region in the south, children put on kohl and likewise go trick-or-treating from house to house, singing "Aba nouh"[29] and asking for sweets.[23] In southeastern Algeria among the Tuareg, Ashura is traditionally marked by the Sebiba festival, featuring dancing and music.[30][31]
The tradition of giving zakat to the poor and holding collective feasts at Ashura contributes to the holiday's role in Algeria as an occasion for solidarity and social assistance.[32][33][34][35]
In many Algerian cities, such as Tlemcen, Ashura is the occasion for discount sales, starting from the first day of the month of Muharram, and attracting crowds.[36] The urban cities are transformed during this day, in a gigantic market where all kinds of products are exposed, in particular articles that have been in stock too long.[37][38][39][40][41]
The poorest who have received their share of Zakat take advantage of this windfall to do their shopping.[42][43]
An Algerian child born on or around Ashura was traditionally often given the first name Achour in honour of the occasion.[44][45]
Many parents prefer to reserve infants' first haircut for the day of Ashura.[22][14]
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Bold indicates major holidays commonly celebrated in Algeria, which often represent the major celebrations of the month. | |
