Suahili-Land and the Wasuahili, 65 
Two great festivals are held by the Wasuahili in 
the course of the year. The first commencing at the 
termination of the Ramathan, and the second on the 
tenth of the Mfungu wa tatu (third month). Both 
last for three days. It may be observed, however, 
that the Ramathan, though ostensibly a fast, is in 
reahty a feast. The people, it is true, scrupulously 
abstain from eating anything from sunrise to sunset, 
but the evening meal is the most sumptuous that 
their means can provide. They never get such a 
spread during any other part of the year. It is 
not uncommon for the people to rise several times 
in the night to partake of the good things proi^ided to 
help them through this month of fasting ! Considering, 
too, that during the day they claim exemption from 
everything like labour, and sleep away a good many 
of the hours, the month of Ramathan may be con- 
sidered a feast rather than a fast. It is certainly one 
of the great shams of Muhammadanism. The Siku 
ya Muaka, or New Year's Day, is also made a great 
deal of by the Wasuahili. Before sunrise the women 
may be seen flocking down to the shore to bathe. 
This done, they return to their homes, and, plunging 
deep into the cuisine, they make the most Hberal 
preparations for the reception of their friends. The 
day was formerly one of general license, every man 
did as he pleased. Old quarrels were settled, men 
were found dead on the following day, and no inquiry 
was instituted about the matter. The Indian resi- 
dents were often treated very roughly, thrown bodily 
into the sea, and otherwise ill-used. This has been 
stopped by the interference of the British Government. 
Friday, the Muhammadan sabbath, is often devoted 
5 
