Amman: As the holy month of Ramadan began, the narrow alleys in the heart of Amman, the capital of Jordan, are filled with the sounds of Takbeer and Tasbeeh. People gather around their tables at sunset on the first day of Ramadan, and the atmosphere is imbued with deep spirituality. The aroma of dates and thyme fills the air, while the lights of lanterns cast a hopeful and calming glow on the old walls.
According to Qatar News Agency, the streets of Amman are filled with the scents of delicious foods, moving from house to house and neighborhood to neighborhood, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of prayers and supplications, charged with hope and optimism. At the Iftar tables, loved ones gather to meet after a long day of fasting, in moments filled with love and brotherhood. These gatherings are not mere rituals but have become an integral part of the Jordanian identity, turning Amman into a colorful Ramadan painting that tells a story of hope and unity in every corner.
In the spirit of hospitality, the rich blend of history and culture meets in a mix of customs and traditions. Jordan welcomes the holy month of Ramadan with distinctive atmospheres and unique practices, as the streets are lit up with crescents and lamps, the rooftops of houses are decorated with lanterns, and the smell of sweets wafts from kiosks. Ramadan tents and charity tables spread everywhere, forming a Ramadan canopy that embraces everyone.
The customs and traditions in Jordan are diverse, reflecting the various segments and sects of the population, resulting in social customs, dietary traditions, and practices related to clothing and housing, among others that have enriched the cultural and social heritage. Juices in Jordan have a special tradition that has remained unchanged despite modernization. Since the 1960s, Jordanians in central Amman and the old markets of the provinces have crowded to buy juices, which are a main component of the Iftar tables.
"Al Hakawati" (storyteller) also held a revered position among the people and cafe-goers, narrating stories and tales in his unique style, becoming a cherished memory. Al Hakawati recounted historical and popular events to strengthen social bonds among people. Over time and with changing customs and traditions, his role has diminished in Jordanian society during Ramadan. Modern entertainment activities like watching television, Ramadan tents, and listening to music have become more widespread and popular.
Other Ramadan traditions that prevailed in the past included popular games, which were played during Ramadan. Notable among these were "Liar's Dice," one of the most famous traditional games, the "Clock Game," and the "Treasure Hunt Game," which maintained their popularity until recently, along with "Al Fogaia" and "Al Kharita." However, these games are no longer common in modern times.
In this regard, Dr. Hussein Al Khuzai, a sociology professor at the University of Jordan, spoke to Qatar News Agency (QNA) stating that cultural diversity has provided fertile ground for the multiplicity of Ramadan customs and traditions in Jordanian society today. Many families from different cultures have migrated to Jordan, creating a mosaic of diverse customs and traditions. Dr. Hussein Al Khuzai, in his statements to QNA, highlighted the disappearance of certain inherited traditions from Jordanian households during Ramadan, such as "Sahn Al Khair." This tradition, once widespread, now remains limited to a select few. It involves exchanging a platter of food among family members and neighbors to promote love, compassion, and social solidarity, as well as to diversify the dishes and blessings of Ramadan.
He pointed out that among the Ramadan traditions in Jordan, the Iftar cannon remains a popular custom passed down through generations. Throughout the holy month, the Iftar cannon is fired from the heart of the capital, Amman, reflecting an Ottoman-era heritage from the time of Ottoman rule over Jordan and the Levant. However, with the advent of modern technological devices like alarms and mobile phones, which have replaced the need to wait for the sound of the Ramadan cannon, Jordanian authorities suspended the firing of the cannon for several years.
In this context, Al Khuzai emphasized that the anticipation of the Iftar cannon in the final moments of fasting holds indelible memories for Jordanians. These moments, associated with the cannon's countdown, evoke tales and childhood memories from decades past, amid a race against time with "Al Sahn Al Dawar" among neighbors in the same neighborhood.
In a similar statement to QNA, Akef Al Ali, a citizen, noted the clear differences between Ramadan in the past and present and how this contrast has impacted lifestyles. He explained that 50 years ago, most Jordanian villages, except for major cities and key areas, lacked electricity, water networks, or other transport services, resulting in a very simple way of life, unlike today, where modern advancements have transformed lifestyles.
Al Ali stressed that over twenty years ago, Ramadan gatherings were hosted in friends' homes. Today, such gatherings are limited to Ramadan tents and cafes, extending until Suhoor. Previously, people exchanged visits to congratulate each other on the arrival of the holy month, but with technological advancement, they now suffice with short messages via digital platforms.
Farouq Taha, a public sector employee, explained that he and his family have a tradition of decorating their home before the arrival of the holy month, which has become a seasonal joy, especially for children. This occasion motivates them to fast and reflects the profound meanings of this month. Taha mentioned that his children delight in this occasion, and he ensures to fulfill their wishes by purchasing lanterns, crescents, and decorative lights. The neighborhood streets and some adjacent buildings are also adorned in a way that captivates onlookers, particularly at night after Iftar.
He also highlighted the widespread presence of Ramadan tents where people gather for entertainment and to spend time after Taraweeh prayers. These tents offer dates, Arabic coffee, and traditional Ramadan drinks like tamarind, licorice, and apricot juice, in addition to Ramadan sweets like Qatayef and Awama.