Khamis el sakara facts for kids

Khamis El sakara is a special Lebanese tradition. Its name comes from Lebanese Arabic. This day is celebrated on the last Thursday before Lent begins. Lent is a period of 40 days when many Christians fast or give up certain foods.

This tradition is very old. Christians would gather to finish all their meat and dairy products. They did this because, in the past, there were no refrigerators. So, they needed to eat all their perishable food before the fasting period started.

What is Khamis El sakara?

Khamis El sakara is a traditional day in Lebanon. It is not a religious holiday but a custom that has been passed down through generations. It marks the last chance to enjoy certain foods before the fasting period of Lent.

The Meaning of the Name

The name Khamis El sakara means "Thursday of the Drunkards." This name came about because, in old times, people would gather and celebrate with great joy. They would drink wine, which was a common drink. Some people, in their happiness, might have had too much wine. This led to the day being called "Khamis El sakara."

It is important to know that this day is not about encouraging anyone to drink too much. Instead, it is about the historical tradition of gathering and finishing food before a period of fasting. Some people mistakenly call it Khamis El Zakara, which means "Thursday of Remembrance." However, this is incorrect. The church has a separate week for remembering the dead before Lent begins.

A Time for Family and Food

Khamis El sakara is a time for families and friends to come together. They share meals and enjoy each other's company. It is a reminder of old customs and how people lived before modern conveniences like refrigerators. The focus is on community, tradition, and preparing for the upcoming Lenten season.