Gargee'an facts for kids

Gargee'an (Arabic: قرقيعان) is a special celebration mainly held in Eastern Arabia. It happens twice a year. Children dress up in traditional clothes. They go from door to door to collect sweets and nuts. As they visit homes, they sing special songs.

Girls in Qatif wearing traditional clothes and collecting candy.

This tradition is very old, going back hundreds of years. It is a big part of the culture in places like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Gargee'an might seem a bit like Halloween's trick-or-treating. However, it has no scary parts and grew on its own.

What Does Gargee'an Mean?

The exact meaning of the word Qarqī'ān is not fully known. There are a few ideas about where it comes from.

One idea is that it comes from Qarqa'ah. This Arabic word means "click" or "snick." It might refer to the sound of metal pots hitting each other. These pots would be used to carry and serve the sweets.

Another idea is that children in Medina used to sing "Qarrat Al-'Ain." This phrase means "darling" or "joy of the eye."

Other Names for the Celebration

This holiday is known by different names in various Arab countries. Here are some of them:

• Majeena or Garangao in Iraq
• Garangao or Garangaou in Qatar
• Gargaaown in Bahrain
• Al-Nasifa in Qatif
• Karkee'aan or Qariqaan in Saudi Arabia
• Gargee'aan or Girgian in Kuwait
• Ahwaz, Garangashoch, At-Tablah or Qarnakosh in Oman
• Hag Al-Leylah in the UAE
• Kurds call it Barrat

Why Is Gargee'an Celebrated?

Gargee'an is celebrated on two important nights in the Islamic calendar. It happens on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha'ban. It also takes place on the 15th night of Ramadan.

Children dressed for Gargee'an celebrations in Contemporary Arts Museum of Ahwaz.

These nights are very special for Shia Muslims. The Gargee'an on the 15th of Sha'ban celebrates the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi. He is believed to be the 12th Imam. The Gargee'an on the 15th of Ramadan celebrates the birth of Imam Hasan ibn Ali. He was the second Imam in Shia Islam.

Because of these important birthdays, Gargee'an is a time of happiness and parties. This is especially true in places like Bahrain. At night, people might listen to sermons in mosques. There are also fun, carnival-like events in big cities.

How Do Children Celebrate Gargee'an?

Children celebrating Gargee'an gather in small groups. They stand in front of homes and sing special songs. These songs are meant to ask God to bless the youngest child in the family with good health. They also wish for the mother to stay happy.

The more songs the children sing, the more nuts and sweets they usually receive! The main idea behind the Gargee'an tradition is to share love, happiness, and kindness among everyone.

Today, many stores and malls also get involved. They try to attract children during this time. They offer special deals and organize fun Gargee'an events.