It may have been in Darb al-Ahmar at ‘Eid al-Fitr, when children are given new clothes for the coming year, bought over size so they will fit twelve months later. Maybe instead of buying ready made clothing, the father bought fabric- upholstery weight is cheaper and more durable for children- by the yard and had the tailor make it. Unaccustomed to dresses (his usual order being mens galabiyyas requiring only three cuts and seams), the tailor made her look like a rolled up curtain. But still, she is proud of how she will look until the next ‘eid comes round.
©David Melody