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Show TURKS' "FEAST OF BAIRAM" Day That Is Observed by Moslem Cors. responds With the Christmas of the Christians. The Turk ttikes his pleasures pretty sadly; about the only time he publicly relaxes Is during the feat of Bairara, which In the way of gift giving, feasting feast-ing and good will to man corresponds to our Christmas. On that day every good Moslem kills a lamb, Its fleece dyed a bright orange with gold or silver sil-ver leaf, says the Christian Scienca Monitor. When the lamb has been sacrifl'ed on the morning of the festival, Its flesh is divided Into three portions, one being given to the poor, another to relatives, rel-atives, the third being kept for the household. On thar day the sultan goes to the mosque which- Is nearest the Yildiz Kiosk the vast assemblage of buildings which go to make up the Imperial residence thousands collect to watch the bent, frock coated, yellow yel-low faced, blackeyed, red fezzed little man driven sadly by, In a plain black Barouche; followed by regiments of cavalry, Infantry and marines; also a quaint custom by a half-dozen led horses beautiful, graceful Arabians. The month-long fast of Ramazan Is held by the Moslem to be a divine Institution. Its observance Is strictly enjoined on all true believers over the age, of fourteen; Invalid's and travelers only excepted. Ramazan Is held In the ninth month of the Mohammedan year. The Moslem year being lunar, Ramazan Rama-zan makes In the course of time the round of the seasons. But through the winter days, from sunrise to sunset, sun-set, the pious Mohammedan does not take a bit of food or sup of drink; he also abstains entirely from coffee, tobacco and sweets. But the moment the echoes of the sunset gun have died he Is at liberty to break his fast |
