63
Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
Seen by a Diplomat’s Spouse
of “nakhawla”) (date trees climbers) and take the necessary
pollen, after slitting open the boxes thereof, which they dry
up. Subsequently, they grind the contents into powder, and
this powder constitutes the pollen. Then they climb to the
top of the female trees, and, with the help of a special tool,
they split open the skin of the future dates. Later on, the
aroma of the noble fruit fills the air and the golden fruits
make their appearance. The produce per tree is between
10 and 15 kilograms, sometimes more! Often the owners
leave part of the produce on the trees, pending the arrival
of Id Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan festival). I can assure
you that the dates preserve their delicious taste and sweet
smell for months. It is traditionally known that dates have
valuable characteristics. Legend has it that the troops of
Alexander the Great used to eat a few dates every day,
which was enough for them to regain their strength and
maintain their combat spirit.
Today, as well, dates constitute an important and
necessary part of the necessities of the life of Saudi
citizens. Thus in the morning, it is customary for them to
drink a glass of water and eat three dates, which is a daily
doze of energy. This traditional practice is repeated before
lunch and at seven p.m. In winter, many partake of this
wholesome fruit during the day to “warm their bodies”.
Visitors are first greeted with dates, which are arranged on
a beautiful tray or plate. In the month of Ramadan, dates
are a must. Immediately after sunset, and before eating
anything else, people break their fast by eating three or
more dates, after which they perform the sunset prayer.
Different types of molasses and juices are made of dates.
64
Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
Seen by a Diplomat’s
Spouse
Biscuits and cookies are stuffed with dates. It is said that
dates regulate digestion and metabolism. In short, the rare
characteristics of dates have innumerable benefits of which
people are aware and make full use. Dry and canned dates
preserve their taste characteristics throughout the year.
The soft and fresh dates are usually kept in refrigerators
or freezers. Before the advent of such apparatus, the local
population used to hang the bunches and clusters of dates
in well ventilated places. In this manner, they would last
for long periods of time. Dates are also symbolic presents
that reflect the nobility and generosity of the country.
Once, the spouses of foreign ambassadors who are
accredited in the Kingdom were invited to pay a visit to
the Medina Munawwarah by the spouse of the Emir of
Medina. We boarded the private plane of the princess
and spent two enchanting days in that holy City, which is
greatly venerated by all Muslims. At the end of the visit
we were given beautifully inlaid boxes full of sumptuous
fresh dates.