The Significance of Traditional Wear During Ramadan
Observed by millions around the globe, Ramadan is a holy month of fasting for spiritual reflection and community bonding layered freely on cultural heritage and customs and traditions. Among them, perhaps, the most culturally rich custom is plus size traditional dress, which so beautifully reflects the plurality of customs and identities of Muslim communities across the globe.
Traditional dress across Ramadan, though vastly different all around the world, has in common the connotation of respect, dignity, and belonging. In multiple Middle Eastern countries, men don long loose-fitting garments like the kandura or thobe, which promote comfort level for the long days of fasting. For women exposed to this occasion, traditional clothes to wear are the abaya, which is an elegant flowing black cloak, or colorful jalabiyas dressed in elaborate embroidery. Modest though they are, these dresses provide their own artistic manifestation, evoking local peculiarities and craftsmanship.Â
Traditional wear in South Asia includes kurta pajamas for men and a type of clothing called salwar kameez for trendier women, consisting of two or three outfitting pieces that allow movement and grace. Most of the time, such clothing is decorated with beautiful prints checked out during Ramadan, with that feeling of celebration. For special events like Iftar gatherings, families might coordinate their outfits, and they also highly cherish this breaking of bread together.
Along with that glitz, traditional clothing used in observing Ramadan has far deeper functions. One, to enhance sense of unity with the cultural identity of the communities, invokes displays of modesty and humility that form the basis of Ramadan traditions. Great care is often taken with one’s attire on Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, with a pair of new clothes as a sign of freshness and exuberance.
And the wearing of plus size traditional dress signifies more than mere fashion during Ramadan; it resonates with the memory, tradition, and culture of a particular community. There are quite a few families that pass their garments from generation to generation, giving them personal and family sentiment. Such practice upholds the social and cultural values and fosters the family ties that get strengthened with the traditions surrounding the clothing.
In summation, there is a certain vibrance about the new clothes during Ramadan that strikes a chord with cultural identity and community values. As people unite during this holy month, their dressing up reminds the community of the rich heritage of Ramadan traditions celebrating both faith and traditions in harmonious coexistence.
