The Grand Mawlid on the Eve of 12th
Author(s)
Title
The Grand Mawlid on the Eve of 12th
Alternative Title
Baaravileyreyge Bodu Maaloodhu (ބާރަވިލޭރޭގެ ބޮޑުމާލޫދު)
Publication Type
Language
div
Location
Maldives
Keywords
Mawlid
Religion
Islam
Maldives
Traditions
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
ICH Genre
Description
The Grand Mawlid on eve of the twelfth or Baaravileyreyge Maulood was a celebration that was observed to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). This day that is observed on the 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal of the Hijri calendar had more social implications than it did religious. It was a celebration that allowed the country to get in touch with spirituality, improve relations with neighbors, work toward betterment of oneself and a chance for community to come together to clean and beautify the environment they lived in.
The preparations for the Mawlid take place weeks before the occasion. People working on remote islands will return to their own islands. The islanders from all over the Maldives will start the preparations by travelling to Male’ (the capital) to get the necessities for the Mawlid.
When the boats returning from Malé arrive, the islanders gather at the shore to welcome them. It is a social event where residents of all ages come together to greet the boat and receive their respective share.
By this time the chiefs of the islands will collaborate with a few volunteers to plan and organize the activities for the eve. After this, the activities and implementation of these plans will be divided amongst the residents of that particular island.
Amongst the many activities of the occasion, following are the most notable:
1. The islanders will dig a pit to store the bananas on 8th Rabee-ul-Awwal. These bananas will only be dug out the day before the Mawlid. The bananas are said to be ripened perfectly by the time they dig out.
2. Building and decorating a Haruge' (a large hall) for the Mawlid to take place.
3. On 11th Rabee-ul-Awwal, the islanders will start preparing and cooking for the feast.
4. Incensing the area (Haruge') while the Mawlid takes place. It was a custom for all residents to go there before the Mawlid takes place at night. Around the time of sunset, the islanders will finish their Salats, and the Haruge' will become very busy:
- The tables get ready before feasts starts.
- Public announcements for the residents to be in attendance takes place
- Feast will only commence when the Mawlid reciters start with their food at the main table.
- The Mawlid will start after the feast.
The eve of the 12th of Rabee-ul-Awwal used to be a very auspicious time for the Maldivians. It is a time when the island becomes quiet, and everyone is trying to connect with their spirituality. It is unlikely to see any islanders out and about during this time. Like this, there were many more customs and ordinances the islanders attributed to the Grand Mawlid on the eve of the twelfth.
However, with the changes in beliefs and customs, such celebrations and rituals have long stopped. This change occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, a time when the Maldives became more globalized and had access to more religious knowledge and other resources.
The preparations for the Mawlid take place weeks before the occasion. People working on remote islands will return to their own islands. The islanders from all over the Maldives will start the preparations by travelling to Male’ (the capital) to get the necessities for the Mawlid.
When the boats returning from Malé arrive, the islanders gather at the shore to welcome them. It is a social event where residents of all ages come together to greet the boat and receive their respective share.
By this time the chiefs of the islands will collaborate with a few volunteers to plan and organize the activities for the eve. After this, the activities and implementation of these plans will be divided amongst the residents of that particular island.
Amongst the many activities of the occasion, following are the most notable:
1. The islanders will dig a pit to store the bananas on 8th Rabee-ul-Awwal. These bananas will only be dug out the day before the Mawlid. The bananas are said to be ripened perfectly by the time they dig out.
2. Building and decorating a Haruge' (a large hall) for the Mawlid to take place.
3. On 11th Rabee-ul-Awwal, the islanders will start preparing and cooking for the feast.
4. Incensing the area (Haruge') while the Mawlid takes place. It was a custom for all residents to go there before the Mawlid takes place at night. Around the time of sunset, the islanders will finish their Salats, and the Haruge' will become very busy:
- The tables get ready before feasts starts.
- Public announcements for the residents to be in attendance takes place
- Feast will only commence when the Mawlid reciters start with their food at the main table.
- The Mawlid will start after the feast.
The eve of the 12th of Rabee-ul-Awwal used to be a very auspicious time for the Maldivians. It is a time when the island becomes quiet, and everyone is trying to connect with their spirituality. It is unlikely to see any islanders out and about during this time. Like this, there were many more customs and ordinances the islanders attributed to the Grand Mawlid on the eve of the twelfth.
However, with the changes in beliefs and customs, such celebrations and rituals have long stopped. This change occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, a time when the Maldives became more globalized and had access to more religious knowledge and other resources.
Publisher
Liyuntheringe gulhun
Place of Publication
Male', Maldives
Date of Publication
2015
Access URL
Academic Field
Social practice
Cultural studies
Community/Ethnic Group
Maldivians
Contributor
Active Contribution
Maldives, FY 2024