Syrians light lanterns for Ramadan

The arrival of Ramadan has brought little relief to conflict-stricken Syria, as families joining to break their fast face the threat continued violence and a rise in already inflated prices. But as they fast from dawn until dusk, some Syrian Muslims are still observing the Ramadan tradition of hanging out lanterns. Displaying the coloured lamps in the street is one of the holy month’s popular customs, and in some areas of Syria no old street or lane is left without a lantern. The lanterns, known in Arabic by their Greek name "funus", are produced all year round in different shapes and styles, and stored for sale in Ramadan, the lantern industry’s high season. The Ramadan lantern is thought to date back to the Fatimid dynasty of 909 – 1171 AD, when it is believed that residents of Cairo took to the streets one Ramadan night to welcome the Caliph al-Mu'izz Li-Dinillah, carrying candles to light their way. To prevent them from blowing out, the well-wishers mounted the candles on bases of wood and housed them in a thin covering, creating the first ever Ramadan lanterns.