During the holy month of Ramadan, Ajloun Governorate revives a rich social memory of authentic rural customs and traditions. For decades, these practices have shaped the local community's identity, reinforcing values of solidarity, love, and communal spirit among its people.
اضافة اعلان
Samer Freihat, Director of Ajloun Culture, noted that Ramadan in folk memory is a unifying occasion for families and neighbors. He explained that the simplicity of life brings people closer, fostering a spirit of sharing meals, visiting relatives, and strengthening kinship ties.
Mahmoud Shraideh, a heritage researcher, stated that the details of Ramadan in the past were closely tied to agricultural life and local production. People relied on the land's bounty—grains, vegetables, and simple foods—which formed the core of the Ramadan table (Iftar). This simplicity, he added, did not diminish the joy but rather made the month humanly warmer.
The Nostalgia of the "Musaharati" and Social Bonds
Poet Rasmi Al-Zghoul highlighted the deep emotional presence of Ramadan memories, such as the Musaharati (the dawn drummer). His voice and rhythmic chants waking up the neighborhoods for the Suhoor meal still bring joy to the hearts of everyone, especially children.
Intisar Al-Khatatbeh, President of the Society for the Revival of Heritage and Folk Arts, affirmed that the local community has preserved many traditions, such as:
Family Visits: Prioritizing kinship and social cohesion.
Charity Initiatives: Organizing neighborhood-level support for those in need.
The "Plate Exchange": A tradition where neighbors exchange dishes before the sunset call to prayer.
Simplicity and Communal Responsibility
Dr. Ahmad Al-Aboud, President of the Siyaj Ajloun Society for Culture and Heritage, mentioned that inherited tales of old Ramadan reflect a high level of communal responsibility. The elderly still recount how the start of the month was announced by village guards or the Muezzin's voice from the minaret—scenes that embody the sincerity of human relationships.
Zein Al-Qudah, a local homemaker, shared that preparations begin with storing provisions and preparing traditional folk dishes. She recalled the excitement of children waiting for the Adhan (call to prayer) from the rooftops, describing those days as the most beautiful examples of intimacy and blessing.
(Petra - Ali Freihat)
