Eidi (gift)

Eidi (pronounced [ˈiːdi]; Arabic: عيدية, romanized: Eidi), or Eidiyya, and in some cultures Eidhi, is a Middle Eastern Arab and Muslim tradition of gifting cash to children and families members by older relatives or family friends as part of the celebration of the two Muslim holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Money is most commonly given, but other gifts are also given.^[1][2][3]

Not to be confused with Eiði.

A boy shortly after receiving eidi on Eid al-Fitr, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Children line up from youngest to oldest in front of the oldest family member and receive their gift. The gift value increases with the age of the child, with the last child in the line receiving the highest value gift.

It is typically given to:

• Children by older members of the family. Older relatives usually give money.
• Spouses often give jewelry, clothes, watches, perfume, or makeup.
• Parents may give their children clothes, shoes, toys, books, or electronic gadgets.
• Parents and in-laws may give adult children clothes or cosmetics.
• Friends usually give each other eidi cards.
• Siblings usually give each other eidi cards.

See also

• Gift economy
• Red envelope
  • Green envelope, in Malay world

References

1. Iqbal, A mjad (July 16, 2015). "Demand for new notes for Eidi rises". Dawn.
2. "Manners: Eidi etiquettes". Dawn. September 19, 2009.
3. Sharda, Shailvee (August 9, 2013). "Eidi: A tradition wrapped in emotions & nostalgia". The Times of India.