Eidi (gift)

Eidi (pronounced /ˈiːdi/; Persian: عیدی, romanized: ʿEidi from Arabic: عيدية, romanized: ʿEidiyya), or Salami is a tradition from the Islamic world consisting of giving gifts, like money, to children and families members by older relatives or family friends. It is commonly part of the celebration of the two Muslim holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.[1][2][3][4] The practice, however, extends beyond Islamic contexts and is also associated with non-Islamic holidays such as Nowruz.[5][6]

In Islamic culture, children line up from youngest to oldest in front of the oldest family member and receive their gift. The gift value increases with the age of the child, with the last child in the line receiving the highest value gift. However, this lining-up of people is not necessarily followed in all cultures. Some people may give Eidi even without making the recipients of Eidi standing in a queue. The Eidi may also be distributed equally, not necessarily in accordance with older or younger age of the recipient.

In Persian culture, children may take more money as Eidi from parents, uncles, aunties and others. These people try to find new money before the new year coming. They may ask banks for a bundle of new money. Also, the amount of cash is dependent on the family status and those relatives salary. There is not an definite amount and it can change by the years and even age of the child. When they are more grown up they may receive more Eidi.

This culture has spread throughout the Muslim Community around the globe including the subcontinent and across Europe and America, and spreads joy and generosity, which aligns with Islamic values. It is neither obligatory (Fard/Wajib) nor a Sunnah act.

It is typically given to:

  • Children by older members of the family. Older relatives usually give money.
  • Spouses often give jewelry, clothes, watches, perfume, or makeup.
  • Parents may give their children clothes, shoes, toys, books, or electronic gadgets.
  • Parents and in-laws may give adult children clothes or cosmetics.
  • Friends usually give each other eidi cards.
  • Siblings usually give each other eidi cards.


Special attention while giving Eidi that the giver should follow:

  • Distributing the money or gifts fairly.
  • Not letting children/recipient be jealous, angry or sad over it, and giving presents/money keeping it in mind.

See also

References

  1. ^ Iqbal, A mjad (July 16, 2015). "Demand for new notes for Eidi rises". Dawn.
  2. ^ "Manners: Eidi etiquettes". Dawn. September 19, 2009.
  3. ^ Sharda, Shailvee (August 9, 2013). "Eidi: A tradition wrapped in emotions & nostalgia". The Times of India.
  4. ^ "From coins to crisp notes: The story behind salami and why it still matters". The Business Standard. 2026-03-21. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
  5. ^ Boyce, Mary (2000). "NOWRUZ i. In the Pre-Islamic Period". Encyclopædia Iranica. Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation.
  6. ^ "New Year's Celebrations: Nowruz" (PDF). Asian Art Museum. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. p. 4.
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