'Bush' is a cheap date
Published 12 September, 2008, 02:56
During Ramadan, Egyptian fruit sellers name their dates after famous people: the better the reputation of the person, the tastier and bigger the fruit. The “George Bush” brand is the cheapest.
During the festive month of Ramadan, dates are on top of Muslims’ shopping list, because it’s a main course for the sunset dinner after a day of fasting. It is believed that back in the seventh century, Prophet Muhammad used this fruit to break his fast.
But even in this ancient tradition there is a room for recent trends. Market sellers name different dates after world leaders, clearly representing the political mood in the country. And it will not surprise many that the George Bush brand is the worst and the cheapest.
“The name of Bush is in the right place, this is his real value,” one of the locals says.
These poor dates are sold for less than half a dollar per kilogramme – a sign the American president is one of the most hated leaders in the Muslim world.
On the other hand, over the last few years the Saddam Hussein brand has topped sales, going for around $US 2.
“We all still love Saddam Hussein. All Egypt loves him,” a local says.
Ramadan is the ninth month of Islam's lunar calendar, when it is believed that God began revealing the Koran to Muhammad. Observant Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from sunrise to sunset.
It’s supposed to be a time of religious reflection and prayer. But when the sun sets you can get back to an Earthly life, having some George Bushes for dinner.
