Purim – this word originates from the Akkadian word puru which means “lots”. It is the most joyful holiday in the Jewish tradition. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month Adar (in Israel, on the 25th day), i.e., in February or March.
The Purim is celebrated to commemorate the saving of the Jewish people who lived in Souza from an inevitable extermination thought out and planned by Haman, a dignitary on the court of the King of Persia, Ahasuerus. Because of the Haman’s provocation, they were to be accused of blasphemy and contempt for the authority and then, killed. These plans were foiled by the King’s wife, Esther and her uncle Mordecai. Ultimately, it was Haman who died together with his ten sons and the Persian Jews were taken care of by the King.
There are sources which prove that the holiday has been celebrated since the 1st century A.C, originally as the Mordecai’s Days, and then, as it is known today – Purim. The holiday is preceded by a one-day fast Taanit Ester (Hebr. the Esther’s fast) which is observed to commemorate the fast of the Queen before her visiting Ahasuerus. The holiday is accompanied by giving charity to the poor and small gifts to friends and neighbours – usually these are sweets, fruits or alcohol. The dishes associated with this holiday include the so-called hamantaschen (Haman’s ears, Haman’s pockets) – triangular dough cakes filled with poppy seed filling, dried fruit and jam.
During Purim the Megillah Ester (the Esther’s scroll) is read in a synagogue, i.e., the history describing the lots of the Jews of Souza, Haman’s intrigue, and Esther’s and Mordecai’s courage. While reading Megillah, the gathered congregations try at all costs to blot out Haman’s name – they make noise, use wooden Purim graggers and all this according to the principle that the names of all rascals should be deleted.
Following the service, a meal is organised during which, apart from all delicacies, also alcohol is served. The tradition has it that alcohol should be drunk until one can no longer distinguish between good and evil (ad lo jada Hebr. until he knows not) i.e., he begins to confuse the words “blessed is Mordecai” with “cursed is Haman”. It has a multiple meaning reminding of the fact that the saving of Jews occurred during the royal feast; some commentators underline also the mystical meaning of ad lo jada – as entering into the world in which concepts lose their explicitness, mix and create a harmonious unity. These rules made out of Purim the most joyful holiday of the nature of a common carnival. On this day, even the ban on men being disguised andas women and women being disguised as men can be broken and hence, mask balls, masquerades and other noisy social events are traditionally organised during the Purim.
Pupils of religious schools cultivate the custom of writing fake and humorous dissertations which explain the principles of faith in the most absurd way, sometimes these papers criticise lecturers and question the authority of rabbis. The celebrations of Purim led to the development of a special drama, called Purim spiel (Yid. The Purim drama) which was originally composed of the texts referring to the history described in the Book of Esther and then, it expanded by other biblical topics, often presented in a form of a satire or parody. Groups of actors visited houses to present a short, humorous performance and to receive money or a meal in return. The Purim performances became a foundation of creating the modern Jewish theatre.
The text derives from the Diapozytyw portal which earlier belonged to the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. The above text comes from the book Historia i kultura Żydów polskich. Słownik, by Alina Cała, Hanna Węgrzynek i Gabriela Zalewska, Published by WSiP.
