Khaberni - With the first threads of Eid morning, amid the sounds of Takbir and the scent of Eid cookies that fill the houses, small yet joyful rituals begin. People exchange greetings and visits, while children with gleaming eyes wait for a moment they know is inevitably coming: the moment of Eidiah. That small banknote handed out by a father, an uncle, or a grandfather, turns in a moment into great joy in the heart of a small child.
Despite the simplicity of this tradition that has become an integral part of Eid rituals in most Arab homes, many do not know that the story of Eidiah began in Egypt centuries ago when it was distributed to people during massive celebrations in the Fatimid era, before gradually spreading throughout the Arab world and becoming a tradition associated with the joy of Eid.
The Origin of Eidiah
The roots of Eidiah date back to the Fatimid era in Egypt, in the late fourth Hijri century (tenth Christian century). During that period, the Fatimid state was known for organizing large celebrations of religious seasons, with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha being among the most significant events.
Historical sources, such as the writings of the historians Taqi ad-Din al-Maqrizi and Az al-Malik al-Musbahi, mention that the Fatimid caliphs were keen on spreading joy to people’s hearts during Eid. Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi would order the distribution of sweets, garments, and money among the common folk.
At that time, it was not called "Eidiah" but was known by names such as "al-Tawsi'ah" and "al-Resum." Gifts were given in various forms, from gold dinars for princes and senior state men to money and gifts for children, and new garments prepared specifically weeks before Eid.
Historians mention that the expenses for preparing Eid garments in some periods reached thousands of gold dinars, and they were distributed among the state men and the common people.
On the morning of Eid, the caliph would sometimes overlook from his palace and shower the attendees with dirhams and dinars, in a celebratory scene expressing joy and participation.
Association with Family and Relatives
Over time, this tradition evolved. In the Mamluk era, it took a more organized form and was known as "al-Jamakiyah," a monetary amount given to soldiers and officials on the occasion of Eid to help them buy new clothes.
Then its form changed in the Ottoman era. It was no longer just an official gift from the state, but it turned into a social custom among people, where adults began giving gifts and money to each other, and Eidiah became more associated with family and relatives.
Over time, it settled into the form we know today, where a father or older relatives give children a sum of money to celebrate the arrival of Eid.
From Egypt to the Arab World
Like many Eid customs that originated in Egypt and shifted over time, the idea of Eidiah spread throughout the Arab world, becoming a tradition associated with the joy of Eid. Despite the different names from one country to another, the meaning remained the same.
In Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq, it is known as "Eidiah," while in some Gulf countries, it is known by other names such as "Gergaian" or "Hawameh," and in Morocco, it is called "Eid money," and in Tunisia, it is known as "Eid gift."
For children, Eidiah is not just money, but a special moment they feel truly signifies Eid’s arrival; it's an opportunity to buy a toy they love, a piece of candy, or even to boast among friends about what they received.
But more importantly, it’s the feeling of care and familial warmth from visits, greetings, laughs, and the memories that last for years and years, making "Eidiah" a symbol of joy, generosity, sincerity, sharing, and familial bonds through the ages.
