The Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar is the internationally accepted civil calendar, and it is used by most countries throughout the world. New Year in Saudi Arabia is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar for non-Muslims, while for Muslims, it is observed as a religious holiday according to the Islamic calendar. However, the new year that is based on the Gregorian calendar is celebrated in the country by both Muslim and non-Muslim citizens.
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy which follows Islamic principles and customs. This means that the observance of the New Year is seen as a major event throughout the country. Saudi Arabia has numerous traditions surrounding the New Year, as well as special celebrations and events.
Saudi Arabia’s New Year Date
Saudi Arabia’s New Year falls on January 1st, just as it does in most other countries around the world. This is a day when citizens of the country get together to celebrate the start of a new year. The New Year in Saudi Arabia usually falls on the first day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Saudi Arabian citizens take part in special activities and celebrate with their family and friends.
Traditional Celebrations
There are traditional celebrations during the time of New Year in Saudi Arabia which date back to ancient times. One such tradition is the ‘dabka’ which is a dance performed by men and women in a circle, clapping and singing popular poems. This dance symbolizes happiness and is usually accompanied by drums.
Another important tradition in Saudi Arabia surrounding New Year is the exchange of gifts. In the past, Arabs used to exchange perfumes and sweets, and these traditions are still carried on today in Saudi Arabia.
Fireworks and Parades
The celebration of New Year also includes fireworks and parades. Fireworks are set off at midnight and are usually concentrated around the country’s main squares. Parades are also a part of the celebrations in Saudi Arabia with many people taking part in them. The parades usually involve singing and dancing as the people march around the streets.
Public Holidays
In Saudi Arabia, several days are declared as public holidays during the New Year celebrations. These holidays are a great opportunity for people to relax and get together with their family and friends. During these public holidays, shops close, markets are abandoned and many restaurants offer special deals.
Significance of the New Year
The New Year celebrations in Saudi Arabia are important for the country as it marks the beginning of a new era and provides a new perspective on life.
The most important part of New Year in Saudi Arabia is the renewal of hope and promise that new things will be accomplished with the passing of time. It is also seen as a time to leave behind all the negative things that happened in the year gone by and move forward with new ideas and thoughts.
New Year Greetings
The greetings exchanged on the occasion of New Year in Saudi Arabia are customarily packed with kindness and good wishes. Common expressions of greeting during this time include ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘ Ramad-Allah’. This is said to bring about blessings and promote wellbeing among friends and family.
New Year’s Foods
Food plays an important part in the celebrations of New Year in Saudi Arabia. It is customary to have Kashkawan (a dish made from wheat, rice, sugar and nuts) as the first meal of the year. Other popular dishes to be served include Mutabbaq (stuffed pancake) and Muhammar (a sweet dish made from dates).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the New Year’s celebrations in Saudi Arabia are an important event in the social calendar. This is a time when people come together to exchange gifts, greetings and celebrate with good food. The New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and look forward to the opportunities of the future.
