Pourim is a Jewish party linked to the history of Queen Esther. Who was she? Why do you disguise yourself and what are the traditions?
This year, the feast of Pourim takes place from Thursday March 13 to Friday March 14, 2025. During this Jewish celebration, we are used to preparing various cakes that we offer those around you, we also organize a generous meal called the “Pourim feast” and young and old disguise. The faithful go to the synagogue to listen to the reading of the Méguila, which relates the history of Queen Esther. But who was it exactly?
Who was Queen Esther and where does Esther fast come from?
In the 4th century BC, at the time of the Persian Empire, this Jewish confession woman was chosen as wife by the King assured, During a beauty contest. The latter had killed his wife Vashti, who had disobeyed him. Without revealing its origin, Esther then became queenwhile Haman is appointed Prime Minister of the Empire. But the latter claims from the king the extermination of the Jewish people, following the refusal of MORDEKHAI (the cousin of Esther and head of the Jews), to bow down before him. A decree is even published to apply its decision. Faced with this threat, MORDEKHAI then convinces his people to repent and fast all day. Meanwhile, Esther organizes a feast, where she invites the king and Haman hoping to be listened to. She then reveals to them that she is of Jewish religion and reveals the conspiracy organized by Haman against her people. This one is finally hanged and Esther and his family celebrate this reversal of situation, like a miracle. This is the reason why practitioners fast every year, on this first day of Purim’s party (Thursday March 13 this year).
Purim cakes: What are the culinary specialties?
On the occasion of the Purim festival and according to customs and traditions, we offer various Cakes: with white frostingof the Montecaosof the cigars and makrouds honey or dates, shortbread with strawberry jam and icing sugar, almond crunchcoconut balls, without forgetting the cakes called “Aman’s ears”. We can also prepare Moon croissants, sesame pancakesor Gazelle horns. All oriental pastries are welcome, all in a pretty basket, a pretty box, which we offer to family and loved ones.
What are the traditions on the occasion of the Purim festival?
Here are the traditions of the Pourim festival, a very festive celebration, for young and old:
- Listen to the meguila. Each year, it is customary‘Listen to the reading of Esther’s book (called La Meguila d’Esther) to remember the story of Purim.
- Donations to the poor. According to tradition, it is also used to give a donation to the needy peopleto those who are in need (at least two people).
- A Purim feast. This party also refers to the feast organized by Esther with the king. Also, A generous meal is organized with the family (especially to break Esther’s fast which takes place during the day).
- The Michloah Manot. In Purim, it is customary to offer cakes in gifts to his loved ones, family or friends, that’s what we call them “Michloah Manot “.
- Purim costumes. Children and even adults disguise themselves on the occasion of the Purim festival.
Why do we disguise ourselves in Purim?
Always in reference to the story of Purim, it is customary to disguise oneselfbecause Queen Esther must have, to protect herself and preserve her people, hide her own identity. And even if the story of Purim seems somewhat difficult to approach for the little ones, this celebration has become over the years and through generations, a very festive celebration. All costumes are welcome, in first position of course, parents and children opt for Queen Esther costumes, With a beautiful dress, and a royal toilet, a crown … or a king’s costume for boys. Why not opt for a costume of the snow queen or Disney princesses? The costumes of cowboys, animals, superheroes, or even firefighters or police, clowns and cartoons of cartoons are each year acclaimed by young and old. Parents also do not hesitate to create their children’s costumes and make up them, a bit like Tuesday fat or carnival.
What is the meaning of Purim?
In ancient Persia, thehe term “for” refers to chance, to lot. Indeed, the decree applied by Haman to destroy the people of Esther was fixed randomly, on the 13th day of the twelfth month, that is the month of Adar. Pourim is therefore also called “The Festival of the Spells”.
Finally, if you want to wish a happy Pourim party to those around you, you should say “Saméah Pourim “or” Saméah Hag “.
