April 23. St George’s Day. Should note that St George, despite being patron saint of England - and other places - was actually born in what is now Turkey, Cappadocia to be precise. Not a holiday in England, though pubs are often happy to make it an occasion. Not this year, obviously. Also traditionally celebrated as Shakespeare’s birthday, and one year that meant we got a free tour of the Globe Theatre. And a holiday here, as well as in Turkey, commemorating the inauguration of the Turkish parliament. Commonly known as Children’s Day, as Ataturk gave the day to the children of the world because they are the future. So today grocery stores are open, banks and pharmacies not.
Totally coincidentally, this is also the beginning of Ramadan. Tomorrow is the first full day, but it starts after dusk tonight. Coincidentally because Ramadan, like Easter, is a moveable feast based on the lunar calendar and doesn’t necessarily begin in April, let alone on this date. Ramadan is best known as the month of fasting, when the observant do not eat between dawn and dusk. It is essentially a month of renewed spirituality, though, with special attention to prayer and acts of charity.
Normally, as in non-pandemic times, there would be children’s parties or parades today and extended family gatherings this evening. We have all been given strict instructions that these things will not happen. However, word has it that the Turkish national anthem will be sung from balconies at nine o’clock in the evening. So we’re interested. Will this really happen in our quiet little corner? Indeed the anthem is played from the mosque and the music draws a half dozen of the neighbours to their windows and front steps. If anyone is singing it must be pretty softly, but there is a little spotty applause at the end.
Totally coincidentally, this is also the beginning of Ramadan. Tomorrow is the first full day, but it starts after dusk tonight. Coincidentally because Ramadan, like Easter, is a moveable feast based on the lunar calendar and doesn’t necessarily begin in April, let alone on this date. Ramadan is best known as the month of fasting, when the observant do not eat between dawn and dusk. It is essentially a month of renewed spirituality, though, with special attention to prayer and acts of charity.
Normally, as in non-pandemic times, there would be children’s parties or parades today and extended family gatherings this evening. We have all been given strict instructions that these things will not happen. However, word has it that the Turkish national anthem will be sung from balconies at nine o’clock in the evening. So we’re interested. Will this really happen in our quiet little corner? Indeed the anthem is played from the mosque and the music draws a half dozen of the neighbours to their windows and front steps. If anyone is singing it must be pretty softly, but there is a little spotty applause at the end.
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