Khamis al-Amwat

Khamis al-Amwat

Between March 26 and April 29; Thursday after Easter

Also known as Dead Remembrance Thursday, the observation of this day by Muslims was instituted by Saladin the Magnificent (1137-1193) to offset the widespread celebration in Jordan of Easter by the Christians and of Passover by the Jews. It is a day to pay respects at burial grounds and offer dyed eggs to children. Before World War II, it became a three-day holiday, which included Ziyarit al-Nabi Musi, a visit to the shrine of Moses, or simply al-Ziyara, "the Visit."
In Jerusalem on Saturday of Holy Week ( see Holy Saturday), Muslims hold the feast of Nebi Mousa for the same reason. Peasants from the countryside arrive in great numbers and go to the mosque near the Dome of the Rock. Old green war banners are unfurled and there is a parade to the shrine of Moses near the Dead Sea which can last for several hours.

CONTACTS:
Jordan Embassy
3504 International Dr. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-966-2664; fax: 202-966-3110
www.jordanembassyus.org

SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 234