Festive memories

By Naguib Mahfouz

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Three things come to my mind during the festive season of Eid Al-Fitr. I remember the gold pound that my father used to present to me, and the cookies, and the new suit. The gold pound was great, not just because it was money, but because it was magical. It was actually cheaper than a paper pound. A gold pound was worth 97 piastres only: three piastres less than the paper pound. But for a child, it was the most beautiful thing and the symbol of joy. A gold pound, I hear, is now worth LE500. A lot more joy than before, if you ask me.

As for the kahk, the traditional Egyptian cookies prepared especially for the Eid, children used to go from house to house delivering them to friends and family, and taking even more back home. I used to sample them all the time, a habit that had to end on express doctors' orders. I remember sleeping with my new clothes next to me. I remember the suit my parents got me when I was 12. I remember all that and more. And sometimes I try to recapture those memorable moments of sheer joy and excitement. When you're as old as I am, there are many things you can't do any more, but there is also an entire lifetime to remember.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.