KUWAIT, Aug 18 (KUNA) -- The holy month of Ramadan witnesses an additional and intensive activity at markets and demand for Ramadan goods , especially the lanterns which symbolize the cultural heritage of many Islamic countries.
Ramadan lanterns are hung to decorate streets and ancient cities from Cairo to Tunis to Damascus, written on them words welcoming the holy month.
Mohammed Al-Arabi, an antique dealer, in Alrai area told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that "we usually import lanterns from Arab countries like Egypt, Syria, and in large quantities from China." Al-Arabi added that Chinese lanterns are competing with Arab lanterns due to its low cost, variety of colors and shapes, the most famous lantern is the polygon and hierarchy and Aladdin lamp, in the form of dolls made of plastic and contains light bulbs, lasers and a small CD-ROM containing folkloric songs.
He pointed out that the Chinese lantern looks more like a toy, attracting children with its Ramadan music, whereas older children would prefer the traditional lantern with a candle inside. "The local lantern is on high demand, especially by restaurant and store owners, in preparation for the holy month", he said, clarifying that prices of lanterns had increased reaching KD 20 this year.
He also mentioned lanterns in the form of a football player, movie stars, including a variety of shapes and sizes, some are made of wood, some in the shape of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Kaaba.
On the other hand, Khalil Shehadeh, a salesman in a toy store in Sharg said that there are many forms and shapes of lanterns, made of different materials.
Shehadeh said that in the past he was keen on buying large and colored lantern with a candle inside, but these days the modern lanterns are more on demand, as they contain musical sounds, and not candles.
Two types of lanterns are in the market, the Chinese and Egyptian, no longer the traditional lanterns that are hand printed on glass.
He pointed out that the function of the lantern which was placed in the old houses and mosques is to give light at night, and also a means of joy during the month of Ramadan, particularly for young children.
A researcher of folklore, Ahmed Al-Barges told (KUNA) that the lantern was first created in Egypt and there is a strong relationship linking the Egyptians with the lantern during the month of Ramadan, going back hundreds of years.
And on the development of lanterns, Fanous (lantern) is a Roman word meaning Torch - used to provide light by the use of liquid oil before the invention of candles, then developed by using liquid kerosene, and finally to electricity and batteries.
He explained that with time, lanterns are made smaller for children as they carry them while they accompany women at night, as at that time women were forbidden to go out alone. - Kuna