An elegantly-made compass can be a good gift. In Arabic, Islam means “submission” or “surrender” (to God). Arab Marriage Customs and Biblical Similarities Bruce Satterfield Department of Religious Education, Brigham Young University - Idaho. There are two official holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Closely tied up with the need to maintain relationships and as a way of gaining and giving face, gift giving bonds people together. Arabic is the main spoken language in Egypt since the 7 th centyry when Arabic came to Egypt and the majority of the Egyptians speak Egyptian Arabic due to the influence of the Egyptian cinema throughout the Arabic- speaking world. This is especially true where marriage is concerned. Avoid alcohol and products made of pigskin, because pigs are considered offensive to Muslims. This year, many churches are allowing in-person participation on a limited basis due to the Covid pandemic. Religion: The major religion of North Africa and the Middle East is Islam and there are substantial numbers of Jews and Christians who also live in these countries.Racial and ethnic harmony varies from peaceful in Syria to contentious in Israel. In Arab culture, gifts are given or received with the right hand, not with the left. Easter is a religious holiday, but some of its customs, such as Easter eggs, are likely linked to pagan traditions. Both holidays occur on dates in the lunar Islamic calendar, which is different from the solar based Gregorian calendar, so they are observed on different Gregorian dates every year. Islamic holidays. Culture Facts. ... the modern Arabs will quickly recognize that in many instances there is a striking similarity between the customs and traditions displayed by both. The giving and receiving of gifts is an important part of professional and personal life in the Middle East. On Sunday, Arab American Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter and Arab America wishes all a blessed Easter. Gift Giving Etiquette in the Middle East. Are you the kind of person that throws a pinch of salt over your shoulder believing it will ward your bad luck away? By Nada Kabil On Jul 21, 2014. Orthodox Easter this year falls on May 2; Holy Week started Sunday. ... Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, many Easter traditions are not found in the Bible. In fact, the Easter celebrations were so similar to earlier celebrations - particularly those which recognized the resurrection of the Babylonian Adonis, the Greek Apollo, and the Roman Attis - that a bitter controversy arose with pagans claiming that the Christian Easter celebration was a spurious imitation of the ancient traditions. Using both hands, however, is acceptable. The end of Ramadan is signified by the sighting of the first crescent of the moon. Maamoul: An Ancient Cookie That Ushers In Easter And Eid In The Middle East : The Salt For Christians and Muslims in the Middle East, maamoul is an essential part of Easter … Compiled by Arab America . 16 Fascinating Arab Superstitions. How to Dress: Modestly for men (i.e no shorts) and for women, a headscarf is an essential and absolutely no bare arms or bare legs. If yes, then you believe in superstitions! Avoid giving gifts to the wife of an Arab colleague, and never inquire about her. Although this is practised around the world, the uniqueness of this tradition in South Africa is illustrated by the maan kykers (Afrikaans for ‘moon watchers’).