From candies to cash: Eidiya a centuries-old tradition evolving with the times
6 June 2025 01:19
AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)In the days leading up to Eid, banks across the UAE bustle with residents queuing to withdraw crisp new bills - all in preparation for Eidiya, the cherished tradition of gifting money to children.For the young, it's often the most eagerly awaited part of the celebration, with many already making plans with friends on how to spend their treasures. Seven-year-old Shama has kept her cash gifts from the last Eid as she is saving up for a big purchase.
'This Eid, I want to give part of my Eidiya to people in need, and I will use the rest to buy a bicycle,' she told Aletihad . Ten-year-old Ghala said her favourite person every Eid is her mum because she gives her the most Eidiya. 'This time, I will use my Eidiya to buy video games.'Alya, aged 7, always carries a bag throughout the celebration. 'Without my bag, I cannot collect my Eidiya,' she said.
Origins and Evolution of Eidiya The tradition is known by various names in different regions, but Eidiya is the most common - a word that comes from the Arabic word 'Eid', which means giving and generosity.The custom is believed to date back centuries, originating during the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, according to historians. At the time, the caliph established a tradition of celebrating Eid by distributing sweets, hosting lavish feasts, and offering money, gifts, and festive clothing to the community.However, Eidiya has evolved over time. Fifty-three-year-old Adel remembered receiving Dh1 and candies from neighbours as Eid gifts when he was a child.'In the early days, we would go around the neighbourhood collecting our Eidiya. This culture has become extreme nowadays, with some children demanding a higher sum of money. It also has to be given in an extravagant way, with envelopes or crafted cards,' he said.
While Eidiya can come in the form of toys, candy, and clothes, the most common gift remains cash, often given in fancy envelopes. Unique Eidiyas have also emerged, with some giving away cryptocurrency, introducing the youth to the idea of long-term investments.
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