Women still have to tend to everything around the house and look after children as well as prepare the food that the household will eat when the sun goes down.
Last year, I did not participate in Ramadan as I arrived in Senegal on the day it began and was encouraged to wait until this year to allow my body to adjust to the heat. People do not host parties during this time, so baby showers and weddings will be planned for afterwards.
Korite
Marking the end of Ramadan, Korite is a day of feasting to celebrate. People ease back into their regular schedules after this, but the day itself is marked by dressing up and visiting each other’s houses as people may not have seen their neighbors or family members during this time due to the fast and lack of other celebrations.
Children will visit homes in packs, asking for spare change, and adults will indulge them, like Halloween! This day is also known as a day to ask for forgiveness between friends and family. This can be done in person or over a phone call. It seemed to me like this is a time to check in and catch up with family members, not a time for serious confrontations about problems.
Tabaski
Traditionally a sheep is killed and served on the day of Tabaski. This day is known as being similar to Korite, but is usually looked forward to more. This holiday commemorates Abrahams’ dedication to God through an act performed in the old testament.
It is very common for everyone in the household to get a new dress or outfit made for this occasion, and people travel home to their villages to be with family for this holiday. The killing, cooking and serving the sheep is a big part of the day.
