Purim
The Origin of Purim
Falling on the 14th or 15th of Adar, usually in Match of the Gregorian calendar, Purim is a joyful holiday for commemorating the wise Queen Esther who managed to save the Jewish people from Chancellor Haman, who was planning to kill all the Jews.
The origin of Purim is mainly recorded in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament.
It started when Ahasuerus was the King of the Persia (the ancient Iran). The royal vizier Haman felt offended because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Having found out that Mordecai is Jewish, Haman planned to kill not just Mordecai but the entire Jewish minority in the empire. To achieve this conspiracy, the plausible vizier got the imperial edict skillfully and gave order without the King’s permission. By casting lots, he decided that the Jews should be exterminated in December, namely the month of Adar.
However, Haman didn’t know the hidden identity of the new Queen Esther. The truth was that she was not only a Jew but also the adopted daughter of Mordecai. Facing this crisis, the clever Esther held a banquet, and invited both the King as well as Haman. During the feast, she revealed Haman’s malicious plot in public. This evildoing irritated the King so he immediately banned the fake order and hung Haman to death on the gallows up to five feet.
After that, approved by the King, Mordecai and other Jews were allowed to gather together on the 13th day of Adar to protect the Jewish people by preemptively killing the enemies. From then on, the Jews in Susa killed enemy on the 13th and 14th day of Adar. And on the very next day, they rested and held a party to celebrate the victory. As for the Jews in other provinces, they cleaned up the enemies on the 13th and celebrated on the 14th.
Mordecai recorded that the 14th and 15thday of Adar were the days when the Jews getting rid of the foe. So, in these days, the Jewish people indulged themselves in the victory as well as the feast. According to the name of the lots, they called these days Purim.
They also invented a triangular cookie with candied fruit or chocolate fillings, which was given an interesting name, Haman’s ear to show disregard to the evil vizier.
Today, this cookie gradually becomes a typical traditional food. As time goes by, the Purim turns into a carnival when people parade with exotic costumes and gather for drinking and eating.
The carnival of the Jews
There are numerous activities on Purim but all with one theme- having fun. On this day, people celebrate by all means like drinking, singing, dancing and playing the fireworks. They dress up and put on a mask to show off their personalities. Also, it is customary for people to give handouts to the poor and exchange food with their neighbor.
In Israel, it is only on the Purim that the orthodox Jews are allowed to drink. People drink freely in the splendid banquet, especially enjoying the tasty local wine.
Meanwhile, each family will turn on the light in the house for the celebrations. One of the most important activities is the bonfire party, where the young revel in their dancing and singing.
The orthodox Jews must fast the day before Purim. On the Purim, the Jews read the Book of Esther on a special ceremony in memory of the history and the wise and resolute Queen Esther. During the reading, every time when the name Haman is mentioned, the kids will flap the bamboo canes to condemn Haman.
People on the Purim
On this day, even the orthodox Jews who strictly abide by the rules are enjoying themselves to the festival.
The Walking Dead in Tel Aviv
The largest parade during the Purim is held in the town of Holon annually.
Children in Israel take Purim as their favorite. On this day, children dress up in their best.
Compared with other Jewish holidays, Purim is the most joyful and voluptuous one. For kids, they try every means to beat it up indulgently and manifest their personalities.
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