Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self- improvement and heightened devotion and worship. During the period of Ramadan, cities worldwide light up and prepare for the month of fasting by decorating their houses and shops with colourful lanterns creating a beautiful and magical atmosphere.
According to Nasif Kayed, managing director, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the concept of the lanterns originated in ancient Egypt, during the Fatimid dynasty, when Caliphate Al-mu-izz li-din Allah arrived on the first day of Ramadan, the people and children of Egypt went outside to greet him holding their lanterns.
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Before then, lanterns were just used to walk around at night, and to walk to the mosque. But when the Caliph came, the whole community went to welcome him with their lanterns. Since then, it became that the month of Ramadan is more beautiful with lit-up lanterns everywhere.
In modern-day, with the availability of electricity and technology, lanterns are not really needed as a source of light. Instead, it is now used as decoration for popular Ramadan tents, gatherings, and city streets to create a more festive environment that is in tune with the holy month.
The Lantern is not a symbol of Ramadan, but an addition to the festivities.
