Mimouna
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mimouna (Hebrew: מימונה Arabic: ميمونة) is a colorful traditional North African Jewish celebration held the day after Passover. It marks the start of spring and the return to eating chametz, i.e., leavened bread and bread by-products, which are forbidden throughout the week of Passover. Some believe the source of the name is Maimon, the father of the Rambam, Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, and the Mimouna marks the date of his birth or death. [1]
The Mimouna originated in the 18th century, as a way to strengthen the connections between neighbors and communities. These ties were often weakened during Passover, where Kosher rules prevented Jews and Muslims from visiting each other and dining together. Therefore, as soon as Passover was over (on the night of the last day), Jews would open their houses and invite their neighbors to visit and dine. The customary wish, Tircehu Ve-Tisadu, means be well, prosperous, lucky, and eat as much as you want.
In Israel, the Mimouna has become a popular annual happening featuring outdoor parties, picnics and BBQs. After settling in Israel, Jewish immigrants from North Africa celebrated the Mimouna with their families. In 1966, it was introduced as a national holiday, and has been adopted by other ethnic groups, mainly in the Mizrahi sector. [2]
The celebration begins after nightfall on the last day of Passover. Moroccan and Algerian Jews throw open their homes to visitors, after setting out a lavish spread of traditional holiday cakes and sweetmeats. One of the holiday favorites is Mofletta.[1] The table is also laid with various symbols of luck and fertility, with an emphasis on the number "5," such as 5 pieces of gold jewelry or 5 beans arranged on a leaf of pastry. [3]
Over the last few decades, the Mimouna has become a public relations tool for Israeli politicians, who use it as an opportunity to mingle with the masses and drum up public support. [4]
[edit] Celebration outside Israel
In 2006, the Moroccan Jewish community of Paris, France, celebrated the holiday publicly for the first time.
The festival has been celebrated by Amsterdam's Moroccan Jewish community for many years.[citation needed]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Mimouna - A Jewish-Moroccan Festival in Israel
- ^ http://www.jafi.org.il/education/festivls/pesach/mimouna.html The Jewish Agency for Israel - Explanation of Mimouna
- ^ Lady Luck Ha'aretz feature article Yigal Bin-Nun
- ^ Lady Luck Ha'aretz feature article Yigal Bin-Nun
[edit] External links
- (French) History of the Moroccan Jews
- (Dutch) Stichting Maimon [1]
- Moroccan Jews Feast At Passover's End, But The Younger Generation Has Disappeared From The Party Infolive.tv
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