A weekend of reflection & celebration
This weekend carries deep meaning for many, marked by both joy and reflection. Sunday is Mother’s Day in the UK, a time when many celebrate and cherish their mothers & grandmothers, yet for others, it can be a poignant reminder of loss. These occasions can be complex for those navigating grief, as they balance remembrance with the festivities around them. At the same time, the end of Ramadan brings another reason for celebration, with Eid approaching – the exact day is yet unknown and depends on the new moon being sighted. This year, it is likely to fall on Sunday, 30th March 2025, or Monday, 31st March 2025. For those observing, it is a time of gratitude, renewal, and connection with loved ones.
What is Eid?
Eid al-Fitr is approaching, a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, as families and communities come together to celebrate the completion of a month of spiritual reflection and self-discipline.
One of the common questions people ask is, “What is Eid, and how do you celebrate it?” In the UK, where Eid celebrations are not as widely established as other holidays, the ways people observe it can vary greatly. For those brought up in Muslim households, traditions may be shaped by family customs, cultural heritage, and community practices. Others, including those who have come to Islam later in life or who have a mix of cultural influences, may develop their own ways of celebrating. Since there isn’t a single, standard way of marking Eid, people’s experiences often reflect a blend of traditions, personal preferences, and local influences.
For many, Eid begins with putting on clean or new clothes, followed by attending Eid prayers at the mosque or, in some cases, in parks and other open spaces. Breakfast is often the first daytime morning meal many will have had in a month, and this meal can range from simple to elaborate, depending on cultural traditions. Some families might have a traditional breakfast, while others might indulge in a proper meal such as a biryani first thing, which is a custom in some cultures.
The first day of Eid is typically reserved for close family, with extended family and friends visiting in the following days. Eid celebrations usually last two to three days, or even longer in some communities, with families visiting one another, sharing meals, and enjoying the company of loved ones.
Our Celebrations
In our home, we prefer to keep things simple and much like any other traditional UK feast. After a light breakfast, we enjoy a special meal later in the day. This often includes a roast dinner with plenty of vegetables, roast potatoes, maybe a nut roast, and a special dessert. The food we prepare often depends on the time of year, as Eid moves forward annually according to the lunar calendar. When Eid falls in summer, we’ve sometimes had a barbecue, followed by fruit and ice cream for dessert. This means seasonal produce and dishes change, bringing a different flavour to the celebration each time.
We typically spend the first day of Eid relaxing, playing games, watching a film or two, and nibbling throughout the day. We exchange ‘Eid Mubarak’ or even ‘Happy Eid’ greetings with friends and family, and sometimes there’s the odd present or card to open.
Sweets & Traditions
One universal aspect of Eid, however, is the enjoyment of sweets. Sweet treats are a significant part of the celebration, symbolising joy and the breaking of the fast. In addition to the date-filled pastries loved by many, such as Kulicha or Mamool, sweets like baklava, a rich, nut-filled pastry, and firni, a creamy rice pudding, are also popular in many homes at Eid. Below, I’m re-sharing the recipe for my version of kulicha, which I often make as part of our celebrations.
Cookies filled with a fragrant date paste.
- 600 g plain flour
- 1 tablespoon dried yeast (approx 8-9g)
- 15 g sugar (1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (8g)
- 225 g butter melted
- 75-125 ml milk or water
- 500g dates (without stones) or date paste
- 50 g butter melted
- 10 pods cardamom (de-podded and crushed)
- *optional 2 teaspoons nigella seeds
- *optional icing sugar
Put the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl and mix together.
Add the melted butter and 75ml of the milk to the dry ingredients and bring together until you have a soft smooth dough. Add more milk (or water) if required. You should have a soft pliable dough, which is not sticky. Knead for 10 minutes.
Place the dough back in the bowl (no need to clean or oil it), cover with a tea-towel and leave in a warm place to rise for an hour.
While the dough is proving, prepare your date paste by mixing the dates with the melted butter and the cardamom. Blend well until you have a uniformly smooth paste.
Divide the proved dough into 4 portions and roll one out into a rectangle about 5mm thick (ensure it is liftable from the worktop). Spread a quarter of the date mixture over the whole pastry then from the long edge, roll the pastry up like a swiss roll. Ensure the edge is sealed, then with a clean sharp knife, slice 1cm thick rounds and place on a baking tray (leave a bit of space between them).
Repeat with another section of dough to make more spirals.
With the remaining pastry either make more spirals or make filled crescents. Use a circular pastry cutter and put a spoonful of date paste on one half leaving a 0.5cm border. Slightly dampen the edges with water, then fold the empty half over to make a semi circle. Using the tines of a fork, press all the way around the edges to seal, then shape into a crescent. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place on a prepared baking tray.
If using nigella seeds, lightly dampen or brush the crescents with milk (or water), then sprinkle the seeds on top.
Bake at Gas Mark 4 (350f / 180c) for 15- 20 minutes. The ulicha should be strting to turn golden. Allow to cool before moving to a wire rack. Caution filling will be hot – allow to cool! Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope it brings you happiness, warmth, and laughter. Whether you are celebrating Eid, Mother’s Day, or simply spending time with loved ones enjoying the brighter weather, may it be a meaningful and joyous occasion for you. For those carrying a sense of loss, may your pain be eased especially as these events are celebrated around you and may you find peace in the memories and the support of loved ones.
A quick reminder
Before we wrap up, don’t forget that the clocks go forward this weekend in the UK as we switch to British Summer Time. That means we’ll be losing an hour of sleep but gaining longer, lighter evenings – a welcome shift as we move further into spring. If you have plans for Sunday morning, whether it’s an early Eid prayer – or perhaps a lay-in if Eid falls on Monday, a family gathering for Mother’s Day, or just a slow start with some gentle stretching, be sure to set your clocks ahead so you’re not caught off guard!
As always, I’d love to hear from you. How are you celebrating this weekend? Whether you’re preparing for Eid, Mother’s Day, or simply taking a well-earned break, let me know in the comments below. What are your traditions? What foods do you enjoy? And if you’ve never celebrated Eid before but are curious to learn more, feel free to ask – I’d be happy to share more!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead, filled with love, reflection, and celebration.
Speak soon
Laurena x
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