Eid al-Fitr is approaching, and we are preparing for this Eid in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, drawing attention to the importance of Eids for human psychology and social peace, and their restorative quality for human relationships, emphasizes that the spirit of Eid should be kept alive within the scope of precautions despite the pandemic. Tarhan, pointing out that the Eid tradition has not changed in our society despite many things changing, said, “We must feel the meaning of Eid, and gladden the hearts of our elders and loved ones by calling them. Eids are important periods for alleviating loneliness.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi and psychiatrist, made evaluations regarding the effects of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr on social psychology.
Eids are a reward
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that sacrifices are made and individuals show great tolerance during the month of Ramadan, which has a high social and spiritual dimension, and said, “It is a completely natural event for an Eid to follow such a period of self-discipline, or ego training. Eids also have a psychological dimension in line with the brain's reward-punishment system and in a divine way, 'During this period, you made spiritual sacrifices for divine pleasure, took on social responsibilities, and tried to help people. As a result, Eid is a reward.' Since many sweets and candies were given, it was previously called Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı). There are many beautiful traditions such as offering sweets on Eid, making children and people happy, and Eid visits.”
No one forgot the meaning of Eid
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that despite our country being affected by the changes happening in the world, the Eid tradition has not changed in society, saying, “The waves of modernism in the world also reflected on Turkey. Many things changed, but the Eid tradition in society did not change; no one forgot the meaning of Eid. When we look back at our childhood, we remember Eids as the most beautiful days. Children getting nice clothes, visiting neighbors on that day, and everyone being rewarded and welcomed are situations deeply rooted in the collective subconscious.”
Eids are among the important values that unite society
Emphasizing that the continuation of the Eid tradition is important for the continuation of society's common cultures, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “What makes a society a society are its common cultural values, its ideals for the future, and its past experiences. The more common these are, the more united that society becomes; otherwise, that society disintegrates in a small crisis. Therefore, Eids are among the most important values that unite the entire society. It is important to revive and sustain this.”
We must experience the spirit of Eid despite the pandemic
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that despite the pandemic conditions, the upcoming Eid al-Fitr should be experienced and comprehended just like previous Eids, saying, “We must feel the meaning of Eid, and gladden the hearts of our elders and loved ones by calling them. Due to pandemic conditions, we will not be able to visit our relatives this Eid, but we can exchange Eid greetings using technology. We can have online meetings.” he advised.
Eids have a restorative quality for human relationships…
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that Eids have a restorative quality for human relationships in their social dimension, saying, “On Eid, resolving grievances, renewing friendships, approaching our children more warmly than on regular days, buying them Eid gifts, and giving children Eid pocket money from family members corrects those children's insecure outlook on life. The most valuable asset in human relationships today is the feeling of trust. This is also demonstrated in scientific studies. For trust to form, the feeling of fear in a person must decrease. The emotion that reduces fear is love. The behavior that increases love is doing good deeds directly; good deeds done with love reduce fear, increase trust, and feelings of regret disappear among human relationships. That is why Eids are very important for peace and harmony in society. A neighbor's anger and resentment towards another neighbor can be reconciled on Eid. If there is resentment among relatives, reconciliation and forgiveness can be achieved by saying, 'It's Eid, just let it go.' Eid becomes an opportunity.”
Eids increase social capital
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that forgiveness is taught in trauma therapy, saying, “When we teach forgiveness, we resolve trauma. Eid means a person tries to prioritize forgiveness in their life. It will eliminate negative emotions, fears, and hostilities. There are feelings of resentment, anger, jealousy, hostility, and hatred, which we refer to as the five horsemen of darkness. Instead of these emotions, one needs to put positive emotions such as joy, happiness, and peace individually. Socially, love in relationships with people leads to an increase in trust and also serves unseen social peace and harmony. It is important to take steps that can ensure social peace, harmony, and healthy relationships between people. All common cultural activities such as Eids and weddings have the characteristic of increasing social capital.”
Eids are an important tool in combating loneliness
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that loneliness is one of the greatest dangers modernity brings to humanity, and stated that Eids can be considered an important tool in combating this danger, concluding his words as follows:
“Loneliness is a global problem. Eids should actually become an opportunity to change this. At the very least, if we call our elders and relatives on Eid, we would both set an example for our children and alleviate the feelings of loneliness in elderly individuals. Loneliness has increased even further after the Coronavirus. Special days like Eid are now an opportunity to reach out to disadvantaged people who are lonely, orphaned, and in need. There are certainly disabled people around us who need help and are in need. We must not neglect to reach out to them.”