What can I do as Eid activities with children?
Religious festival of Eid offers wonderful opportunity to bring the topics of cultural and religious understanding into the classroom. Muslim and non Muslim children can take part in learning and preparing for Eid celebration through arts, crafts and drama activities.
What is Eid?
Eid In Arabic means “feast, festival, holiday.” Eid is a worldwide festival and celebration for Muslims. Two Eid’s celebrated by Muslims, during the calendar year. Eid ul Fitr, which means “festival to break the fast”, is at the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast for a whole month.
Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special morning prayers. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid” and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes prepared at home, and gifts given to children and those in need. Also, everyone encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.
In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses close so family, friends and neighbours can enjoy the celebrations together. In the U.S. and the U.K., Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and friends.
In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Once food has prepared, friends and family eat and celebrate.
Henna – Eid activities
Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. Henna is a symbol of, and part of, the earthly delight in being alive. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with gifts, family parties, street carnivals, new clothing … and henna! This celebration was called “The Little Feast”, or the “Id al-Fitr” comparing it to “The Great Feast” of “Id al-Adha” at the end of Hajj.
Henna is a tradition and been done for many years at Eid. However, many children cannot do it as you might see on Pinterest. At a recent eid party, they had printed out hands and had many coloured pens, and the children could create their eid designs. The children could then have their creations re done onto their hands.
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Chocolate dipped strawberries, one of the tastiest delicacies out there. This wonderful lady brings all the tasty kit to your house and shows you how to create a strawberry masterpiece. With colourful chocolate and golden crumbs of goodness, your children will be getting messy, creative as well as satisfying their sweet tooth. These can then be shared with friends or eaten on your own in the evening. Overall, the chocolate-dipped strawberry workshop be celebrated as a primary school workshop or an at homework shop.
Crafts – Eid Activities
Draw and Party workshop, offer aa range of art workshops (this means you can do an art workshop that suits your ability and age range). The workshops include:
Canvas painting
You will explore specific painting techniques and essential painting skill to create a piece of art. The topic can be based on your interests, or it could be surprised. Paintings will be on canvas, using acrylic paints (or kids washable paint)
Watercolour painting
Learn how to use watercolours to create your own beautiful piece of art. Paintings will be on quality watercolour paper. The topic can be based on your interests or it could be surprise.
Watercolour card
Learn how to use watercolours to create your own beautiful piece of art. Make up to 3 cards with different design for any occasion or particular of your choice.
Bread making
Twiddle – The Love of Food offers its customers (schools and children’s clubs) to create bread or pasta from scratch! The best thing about this party is you will not need to provide anything! Vicky is now creating online videos to show you how to make easy, child friendly pasta at home. The videos are easy to follow along to and the pasta can be stored in the freezer for the following week. However, she does not stop there! Vicky (aka Twiddle) also creates bread making videos. She shows you how to create a mummy sour dough to then make endless amount of sourdough bread (and as we know from experience it is very tasty).