Every year, young and old dress up for the Purim festival, which this year takes place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. But do you know the story of Queen Esther? We tell you all about Purim.
On the occasion of the purim celebrationyoung and old dress up, listen to the reading the Megillah at the synagogue (which tells the story of the feast), prepare a “Purim feast”, taste and treat themselves to different cakes… But why all these customs, and what is the history of Purim holiday ? Who is here queen esther and what did she do to save her people?
What are the dates of Purim?
In 2023, Purim is celebrated on Tuesday, March 7. and begins the day before, Monday March 6, with Esther’s fast. In the Hebrew calendar, Purim takes place on the 14e day of the month of Adar.
Why do we fast on Purim?
Esther’s fast begins each year on the eve of Purim, this year on Monday, March 6, 2023, This fast refers to the story of Queen Esther who asked her people to fast and pray when she revealed her identity to the king, asking him to save her people.
What is the story of Purim, who is Queen Esther?
The story of Purim dates back to IVe century BC at the time of the Persian Empire. That Jewish holiday refers to Esther, a Jewish woman chosen as his wife by King Ahasuerus, who held a beauty pageant after killing his wife Vashti, who had disobeyed him. Without revealing its origin, Esther then became queenwheras’Haman is appointed Prime Minister of the Empire. But the latter demanded from the king the extermination of his people, following the refusal of Mordechai (Esther’s cousin and leader of the Jews), to bow down to him. A decree is even published to implement its decision. Faced with this threat, Mordechai convinces his people to repent and fast for a whole day. During this time, Esther throws a feast, where she invites the king and Haman hoping to be listened to. She then reveals to them that she is of the Jewish religion and reveals the plot organized by Haman against his people. He is finally hanged and Esther and her family celebrate this reversal of the situation, like a miracle.
What are Purim cakes?
For Purim, there are often, according to customs and traditions, cakes with white icingof the Montecaosof the cigars and makrouds with honey or dates, For crunchy almondscoconut balls, and even cakes called “ears of Aman”. You can also prepare moon crescents, sesame pancakesor even Cornes From Gazelle. All the oriental pastries are welcome, all in a pretty basket, a pretty box, which we offer to family and loved ones.
How do we celebrate Purim?
Every year it is customary tolisten to the reading of the Book of Esther (called the Megillah of Esther) to remember the story of Purim. According to tradition, it is also customary to donate to poor people, to those in need (at least two people). This feast also refers to the feast held by Esther with the king. As well, a hearty meal is organized with the family (in particular to break Esther’s fast which takes place during the day), and we bake cakes of all kinds, according to the traditions of each. For Purim, they must be offered as gifts to loved ones, family or friends, this is called “Michloah Manot”. And that’s not all : children and even adults dress up!
Why do we dress up on Purim?
Still referring to the story of Purim, it is customary to dress up because Queen Esther had to protect herself and preserve her peoplehiding one’s own identity. And even if the history of Purim seems somewhat difficult to approach for the little ones, this festival has become over the years and through the generations, a festive celebration.
What do you dress up as on Purim?
All costumes are welcome, in first position of course, parents and children opt for disguises of queen esther, with a beautiful dress, and a royal toilet, a crown… Or a king suit for the boys. Why not opt for a disguise of the snow queen Or Disney Princesses? The suits of cowboys, animals, superheroesor even firefighters or policemen, clowns and cartoon characters are acclaimed by young and old every year, but leave room for imagination and creativity. Parents also don’t hesitate to create their children’s costumes and make them up, a bit like for Mardi Gras or Carnival. To make them, we offer you easy tutorials on Hugo the snail!
What is the meaning of Purim?
In ancient Persian, thehe term “For” refers to chance, to fate. Indeed, the decree that Haman applied to annihilate the people of Esther was fixed randomly on the 13the day of the twelfth month, i.e. the month of Adar. Purim is therefore also called “Feast of Spells”.
Finally, if you want to wish a happy Purim holiday to those around you, you should say “Purim Sameah” or “Hag Sameah”.