Revering Ramadan 2013: An Analysis of Customs and Meanings

The religion of brotherhood and peace is celebrating its most venerated occasion of the year. Prophet Mohammad [Let Peace be Upon Him] has structured this month long process of fasting, alms and prayer as a way for cleansing oneself spiritually and live as close as possible to the revered lifestyle suggested by the path of Islam.  This article deals with an overall view of this practice as we are all expecting with the question “When is Ramadan 2013?” This Islamic tradition explores the realization the dilemma of mass worship, self-discipline, contemplation, and sense of devotion.

In order to understand the institution of Ramadan and its practices a deeper look into the cultural background of its social origin would be of great assistance. The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic conceptual word ar-ramad that refers to intense heat. Islamic theologians state that this world and our hearts are signified with this metaphor since we dwell in selfishness, hatred and ambition. The rituals and practice of the Ramadan fasting is to convert this tendency of humanity into a fruit bearing oasis as promised and fulfilled unto the Prophet [Let Peace be Upon Him] himself.

As we ask and find out “When is Ramadan 2013?, the responsibilities and duties of a devout Muslim [a committed follower of Islam] can be analyzed under a modern perspective of neo-spirituality. Thus interpreted as a mandatory duty of every adult Muslim and the third fundamental pillar, the significance of this process is evident as it has been reverently followed during the 10^th month of the Arabic Lunar Calendar. The span from the start to end of a 30 day cycle between two consecutive fourth ascending crescents of the moon in its span phases the time frame of this procedure. Since this may differ from year to year in competition to the Gregorian solar calendar finding out when is Ramadan 2013 as we do every year is based on the astronomical moon than the calendar based one. 

Each day of Ramadan starts with a Suhoor or a morning meal before the sunrise, shortly followed by a Fajr prayer. The day follows without any other intake of food or water while some rigorous Muslims avoid even swallowing their saliva as it is considered as an intake as well. Many regional rules apply like refraining from swearing, avoiding from touching any intoxication materials even as a part of a profession etc; depending on local traditions. The fast is broken everyday with an Iftar feast immediately after the sunset to the moonrise. Though it is named as a feast, the food is often modest and simple in order to maintain the sanctity of the day’s fast. This is followed by an evening prayer known as Maghrib thus making it mandatory for at least two mass worship gatherings to be attended by all fasting Muslims. This procedure will be followed by Muslims during the time of Ramadan in 2013 as well carrying on the spiritual tradition for yet another year.

Halloween 2013 in Different Countries

Halloween is one of the oldest holidays and is celebrated in different ways by people from different countries. If you are looking for when is Halloween 2013 for making planning to celebrate Halloween 2013

in a unique but interesting way then it is essential to look at how different countries celebrate this eve. Every country has its own way to celebrate Halloween, have a look!
  
Canada 

Canada is celebrating Halloween from 1800 century and people here celebrate just like the Americans way. They go parties, decorate homes, trick or treating and harvest themes. If you are looking to experience some fun on this season then go Canada and experience the way they celebrate Halloween.  

England 

Children used to sing “Punkie Night Song” knocking on the doors of people asking for money. However, currently the English children wear unique costumes and go trick or treating from door to door. The costumes are designed especially for Halloween so that children can mark the occasion perfectly. If you want to enjoy an interesting Halloween 2013 experience then you can got to see lot more at England. 
 
France and Germany 

The trend to celebrate Halloween in France is not quite popular as they consider it just like another holiday. The people of France started knowing about Halloween only after 1996 and after that few people over there celebrate this eve. When it comes to Germany, they usually put their knives away during whole Halloween night. It is actually done to prevent the accidental risk to the spirits returning their homes.  

Ireland
  
If you really want to see what Halloween actually is then you should prepare yourself for Halloween 2013 in Ireland. It is a birthplace of this tradition and is celebrated just like in America. Just like ancient times, bonfires are lit and children go trick or treating. The families, relatives and even neighbors attend parties and exchange gifts with each other. Children also play card games just for fun.  

Belgium and Czechoslovakia

Black cat is considered very unlucky in Belgium but not during Halloween as they feel that their dead relative or family member come from heaven to spare some time with them. Belgium people lit candles for honoring the deceased family member or relative during this eve. In Czechoslovakia, people in their home arrange chairs around the fireplace by leaving one or two chairs for the deceased member of family. They believe that on Halloween night, any of the departed soul comes to their house to spend some time with them. 

Now, you are aware of different traditions available in different countries. So, do make sure to visit any of the above countries to mark Halloween 2013 in the complete unique but interesting way.

Ramadan and Fasting in Islamism

Ramadan – the ninth month in the Islamic calendar - is also known as the month of fasting. During the whole month of Ramadan, most Muslims observe fast each day from dawn till dusk. People who observe this fast abstain from food, water, drink, smoking, and sexual relations. What is more, fasting people have to avoid indulging in foul talk, lustful thoughts and even vain speech. Muslim people are also pushed to read the entire Koran during the month of Ramadan.

The dates of holy month of Ramadan differ every year because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles. It may be noted here that the solar calendar, the calendar that most of we are familiar with, is different from the lunar calendar.

When is Ramadan 2013 - It will start on Tuesday, the 9th of July and will carry on for thirty days until Wednesday, the 7th of August.

Several Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but many others make use of the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to decide the beginning of this holy month. Thus Ramadan 2013 may vary slightly based on the method used to determine the beginning of the month. As the new moon is not in the similar state at the same time all around the globe, the start and end of Ramadan depend on lunar sightings that are received in each respective location on Earth. That is why starting and ending dates of Ramadan vary in different countries, but normally only by a day.

It is also important to mention here that each year, Ramadan starts nearly eleven days earlier than in the previous year. Ramadan 2012 had started on 20th of July; thus Ramadan 2013 will start 11 days earlier, i.e., on 9th of July.

Subsequent to the month of Ramadan, three weeks are observed as feast of celebration, known as Eid al-Fitr. This period is a time for Muslims to make note of their accomplishments during the holy month of Ramadan as well as to feast & enjoy themselves.

It may be very difficult to travel during Ramadan in Islamic countries because the roads are often busy with people going to and coming from mosques. Moreover, bars and other nighttime venues are closed during this holy month so that the owners of these places can concentrate on prayer and worship.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars on which the religion of Islam is based on. The other four pillars are: testifying that there is nothing worthy of worship besides Allah, and Muhammad is Allah’s messenger; Praying 5 times per day at the appointed times; offering a part of one's income in charity to the poor & needy; and making a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca no less than once in a lifetime.

How to Win an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter 2013

Easter Egg Hunts sound very simple but there are some complex strategies that can help you win. Younger, inexperienced children simply run around and look wherever their little legs take them. They don’t really have a game plan and that is why they typically pass over a good amount of the eggs. They will see one bright pink egg thirty yards away and pass by ten other eggs in order to get that one egg. This strategy might work when you are younger, but once you turn double digits you need to step your game up or else you will be crushed by the competition.

There are two main techniques that can be utilized to ensure an Easter Egg Hunt Victory during Easter 2013. Both strategies involve constant scanning of the territory but the two techniques use vastly different scanning techniques. Option one is scanning the entire playing field on one level as you circle the entire premises. If the egg hunt is hosted in a square yard, you should walk the entire edge of the yard while looking down at the ground by your feet. After the first loop, look a little higher up. And then the final lap you should look higher than the second lap. That ensures that you will cover the entire playing field top to bottom. Second option is to scan the playing field section by section. This technique calls for you to break down the egg hunt area into sections and scan an entire section top to bottom before moving onto the next section. This strategy could pay off if lots of the eggs are placed in one of your early sections but could really hurt you if the eggs are placed in sections you don’t check until the end of the hunt.

One tip every professional Easter Egg Hunter knows that you should know as well is to never be focused on only one egg. If you see an egg ten feet away and are going to get it, be sure to constantly scan the area between you and the egg for any other eggs. This one tip separates the amateurs from the pros. If this is the first time you are hearing about this tip, then be excited because it is going to step your egg hunting game up big time during Easter 2013. And for that you are welcome!

Unlike other popular holidays such as Christmas or New Years, Easter is a moveable holiday meaning its date is changes every year. In 2013, Easter falls on March 31^st.

For further details about when is Easter 2013 visit day-finder.com/easter-2013.html

Ramadan 2013 - Showing our love and respect for Allah

Ninth month of Islamic Calendar is celebrated as Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting for whole month during daylight hours i.e. from dawn to dusk. It is believed that this was the time when Quran was made known by Jibraeel to Muhammad.

The following three days after Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ better known as ‘Eid ul-Fitr.’

In this year, Ramadan was observed from 20^th of July to 18^th of August. Now, the question is when is Ramadan 2013.

Answer to the above question lies in the fact that Ramadan is observed on ninth month of Islamic calendar. So Ramadan 2013 will be observed from 9^th of July to 7^th of August. As Islamic Year is 11 to 12 shorter than solar year and contains no leap year, therefore Ramadan dates changes every year. Ramadan date remains the same in Islamic calendar, but it changes in solar calendar every year. In 2010, it was observed from August 11 to September 9, in 2011, it was observed from August 1 to 29 August, similarly in 2012, it was observed from August 1 to August 29 and Ramadan 2013 will be observed from July 20 to 18 August. Usually, there is a difference of 11-12 days every year.

Ramadan month is observed as month of fasting by Muslims and is the one of the five pillars of Islam. It is regarded as obligatory for adult Muslims to observe fast during Ramadan except those who are ill/sick or going through menstrual bleeding. It is also believed that the one who observes fast during all the days of Ramadan get their prayers fulfilled.

To begin the month of Ramadan, Muslims sight the moon. It takes maximum of 24 hours to begin Ramadan all around the globe. Every day before dawn, Muslims take pre-fast meal called Suhoor and start their Ramadan with Fajr prayer. To break their fast after sunset, they hurry up for the meal known as Iftar which includes fried pastries, nuts, legumes, bread, etc.

Social gatherings are common thing during the month of Ramadan. Charity is also regarded as a must thing to do during Ramadan. It is also believed that the person who helps a Muslim in breaking his/her fast is also rewarded.

Although, it is not obligatory for a Muslim to recite entire Quran during Ramadan, but mostly Muslims read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan.

Fasting Ramadan has many advantages, which include:

• Showing admiration to Almighty commanded people to fast the complete month of Ramadan.
• Gaining religious self purification and complete obedience to Almighty.
• Getting closer sensation with the deprived suffering and people will be more willing to offer up donations as well as charities to the needy.
• Getting nearer to near and dears via common invitations and contacts.

To know more about Ramadan 2013 visit day-finder.com/ramadan-2013.html.

Good Friday 2013- Commemorating the sufferings of our Savior

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is the day to commemorate the passion and death of our savior- Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified. It is the day to commemorate the sufferings of our Lord and his death on the Cross. There are number of traditions that are observed on this day. Since the early days of Christianity, the Christians never celebrated any Mass on this day. On this day, special liturgy is celebrated by the Church where the account of the Passion as per the Gospel of John is read out. Continuous Prayers for special intentions are offered in Church.

Christians honor the cross by coming forward and kissing it. The Good Friday Liturgy gets concluded when the distribution of Holy Communion is done. The service in the church is solemn so no organ is played and vestments are either in purple or black. The day of the Good Friday depends on the Day of Easter so every year the date changes.  If people are eager to know when the Easter 2013 is then it is on 29^th March, 2013.  The Good Friday is also known by other names like Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday or Easter Friday.

The Good Friday is the day after Maundy Thursday. The observance of Good Friday includes rituals like people fasting and praying. Catholics who are more than 18 years of age and below 60 years are required to fast on this day. It means they can eat only one complete meal or two smaller meals during the day and cannot have food in between.  Catholics over the age of 14 should not eat meat or any food made of meat on Good Friday. Good Friday is observed during Holy Week that is the part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday.   

Apart from people doing fast, church services are held in the afternoon usually around midday to 3 p.m. to remember the hours when Lord was hung on the cross. Processions are also held in many countries e.g. India, Italy, Mata, Spain and Philippines. Handmade kites are flown in Bermuda on Good Friday to represent the cross on which Jesus was hung. The custom of kite flying has been practiced since 19^th century. On this day, general air of sadness id felt in many towns and villages. In Poland, people fast on dry bread and roasted potatoes. A decoration of eggs on Easter is also very popular practice since ages. 

Also find the information on halloween 2012,please go to: http://goarticles.com/article/Craze-of-Halloween-Festive-Is-Celebrated-Among-Kids-and-Police/7108256/