Glow of tradition

For nearly a thousand years, lamps and lanterns have been an important part of the Middle Eastern culture. Dubbed fanoos they are integral to the proceedings of the month of Ramadan. A tradition that is believed to have originated in Egypt at the turn of the past millennium, these lamps are said to have been lined up in their thousands to illuminate the streets of Cairo to celebrate the auspicious period. In what is possibly the most widely circulated story, it all began with the Fatimid dynasty of Egypt when the lamps are said to have illuminated the various religious processions that viewed the moon to announce the beginning of Ramadan and the time to end the fast. Meanwhile, fasting started as soon as the lamps were extinguished just before dawn.

These days the lamps may have become something of a novelty, but they are still deeply intertwined with the spirit of the Ramadan. The choices are varied and you can get lamps in materials as diverse as metal, glass or earthenware. What remains unchanged, though, is their importance as the ever glowing symbol of Islam in the world.

We give you a few options so you can bring a touch of tradition into your home to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.