Mimouna
Mimouna (Hebrew: מימונה Arabic: ميمونة) is a traditional North African Jewish celebration held the day after Passover. It marks the return to eating chametz, i.e., leavened bread and bread by-products, which are forbidden throughout the week of Passover.
In Israel, the Mimouna has become a popular annual happening featuring outdoor parties, picnics and BBQs. Although the holiday is rooted in the customs of Moroccan Jewry, it has been adopted by other ethnic groups in Israel, mainly those affiliated with the Mizrahi sector.
The celebration begins after nightfall on the last day of Passover. Moroccan Jews throw open their homes to visitors, after setting out a lavish spread of traditional holiday cakes and sweetmeats. One of the holiday favorites is Mufleta. The table is also laid with various symbols of luck and fertility, with an emphasis on the number "5," such as 5 pieces of gold jewelry or 5 beans arranged on a leaf of pastry.
Over the last few decades, the Mimouna (from the Arabic word "mimun," meaning "luck") has become a favorite of Israeli politicians, who use it as an opportunity to mingle with the masses and drum up public support.
In 2006, the Moroccan Jewish community of Paris, France, celebrated the holiday publicly for the first time.
The festival has been celebrated by Amsterdam's Moroccan Jewish community for many years.
References
- "Lady Luck" Ha'aretz feature article Yigal Bin-Nun
External links
- (English) The Jewish Agency for Israel - Explanation of Mimouna
- (French) History of the Moroccan Jews
- (Dutch) Stichting Maimon [1]
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