No school today for many in 56572

"Eid mubarak" to a large number of you on the planet celebrating the end of Ramadan. The new moon rose locally just after nine this morning. I would not mind an invitation to the celebration if anyone local is reading.

American and Canadian Muslims in North America typically celebrate the day in a quiet way. Because the day depends on the sighting of the moon, often families are not aware that the next day will be Eid until the night before. Most check with members of the community to see if the moon has been sighted by anyone. Different methods for determining the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are used in each particular community. Because the day is determined by the natural phenomenon of sighting the cresent moon, the East Coast may celebrate Eid on a different day than the West Coast.
The crescent moon can be sighted directly, or the sighting can be determined based on scientific calculations. Typically when the determination is made in each community about which method is to be used, the end of Ramadan is announced accordingly via e-mail, postings on websites or chain phone calls to all members of a community. Usually working people make arrangements for a lighter work day on the days that may possibly be the Eid day. But many North American Muslims cannot take the whole day off. A typical Muslim family in the USA or Canada will wake up very early in the morning and have a small breakfast. Getting ready often consists of getting dressed in fancy clothing for those who are off all day, and work clothing for those who cannot have the day off.
Next the family will go to the nearest congregational prayer. The prayer may be held at the local mosque, hotel ballroom, arena or stadium. The prayer is often led by a lay person in the community who is respected because of his character and breadth of knowledge of Islam. Often these prayers are held in shifts. The first prayer at 7 am the second at 9 am and the third at 11 am. After prayers, the Muslims disperse. Some have to go to work, others have the day off and spend the time visiting friends and family. Many Muslim families have Eid ul Fitr open houses on that day. Muslim children who attend public school often take the day off and spend it with members of the family who are able to take the day off. The day is spent thanking the Creator for all our blessings.
Because North American Muslims come from all parts of the world, not any one particular food is served on that day. Muslims believe that all blessings come from God, but each family typically has a feast with foods of their particular heritage. For example, an Indian-American-Muslim family would have traditional Indian food, whereas and African-American-Muslim family would have a roast with the sides and a Chinese-American-Muslim family would have Chinese-American food. An intermarried, bicultural family would have food from both cultures on that day. Often a Muslim North American family will visit the homes of friends of many heritages on that day. A typical Muslim family might have an Asian breakfast, an Indian lunch and an Irish dinner all in one day.