“Handmade Traditions: Nostalgic Memories Of Crafts And Activities Associated With Ramadan In South Asian Families.”
As Sanam carefully folded the colorful paper in her hands, she smiled, remembering the Ramadan decorations of her childhood. The gold and green paper chains, the hand-drawn crescent moons, and the lovingly made Eid cards—each one was a small but meaningful part of their family’s Ramadan traditions.
Now, in her quiet apartment in New York, far from the bustling streets of Karachi, she longed for those simple moments spent creating with her family. Her husband, Adeel, glanced over from the couch, amused by her deep focus.
Making decorations again?” he asked, setting down his book.
Sanam grinned. “Of course. Ramadan doesn’t feel the same without them.”
The Crafting Rituals of Ramadan Past
Ramadan in her childhood home was not just about fasting and prayer; it was also about bringing creativity into worship. As soon as the first crescent moon was sighted, Sanam, her siblings, and their cousins would gather around the dining table, armed with markers, glue, and glitter.
“Make sure your moon isn’t lopsided this time, Sanam,” her older sister Naila teased as she carefully outlined an intricate design.
Sanam pouted, determined to make her decorations as beautiful as possible. “This time, mine will be the best!” she declared, snipping away at colored paper to create hanging lanterns.
Their mother would supervise, occasionally stepping in to adjust a misaligned piece or admire their work. “You all have such a special touch,” she would say warmly. “These decorations make the house feel like Ramadan.”
By the end of the evening, their home would be transformed—twinkling fairy lights draped along the walls, hand-painted banners reading ‘Ramadan Mubarak,’ and little clay diyas placed carefully on the shelves.
The Joy of Handmade Gifts
One of Sanam’s favorite Ramadan traditions was the making of Eid cards. Instead of buying store-bought ones, they spent the last ten nights of Ramadan crafting personalized cards for family and friends.
She could still hear her younger brother Hassan complaining, “Why do I have to write so many? Can’t I just sign my name?”
“No shortcuts,” Ammi would reply with a laugh. “A handwritten dua means much more.”
And so, they would carefully write out heartfelt messages, decorating the edges with little stars and moons.
Recreating the Tradition Far from Home
Now, years later, Sanam sat at her kitchen table, scissors and paper in hand. Adeel walked over, leaning down to examine her work.
“These look nice,” he said, picking up a half-finished lantern. “You know, we could invite some friends over and make more together. Keep the tradition alive.”
Sanam looked up at him, her heart warming. He always knew how to make things feel a little less lonely.
“That sounds perfect,” she said.
Later, as she sealed an envelope containing a handmade Eid card for her niece back in Pakistan, she whispered, “Some traditions will never fade.”
Even in a different country, with no siblings arguing over glue sticks or an Ammi to praise her work, the spirit of Ramadan remained. And in that moment, she realized—home wasn’t just a place. It was the traditions she carried with her and the people she chose to share them with.