Despite the passage of time, the 'Nuthoor' tradition remains present in Emirati homes, though its forms have changed. Some families celebrate it in a modern way that includes feasts, cakes, and traditional bags decorated with the child's name, while others prefer to preserve its old simplicity.
Yedho Shadia emphasized that 'Nuthoor' is not just a fleeting custom, but a message of love, prayer, and celebration of life that reflects the spirit of a society that believes joy multiplies when shared. She concluded that this authentic tradition will remain a call for joy that resonates in the homes of the Emirates, carrying with it the memory of ancestors and the happiness of future generations, remaining a living ritual every time a child takes their first steps.
Many Occasions, One Joy Yedho Shadia said that grandmothers, aunts, and female relatives often compete to hold the 'Nuthoor' celebration to mark a child's first steps, especially if the child is the firstborn. Thus, multiple 'Nuthoor' events can occur, but the joy remains the same.
Among the laughter of children and the well-wishes of grandmothers in Emirati homes, 'Nuthoor' remains one of the most beautiful manifestations of heritage that encapsulates the meaning of community and delight, transforming something simple into a popular celebration that the entire neighborhood (Fareej) gathers around with love.
Yedho Shadia told 'Al-Ittihad' that 'Nuthoor' in Emirati society is a tradition that transcends time because it is not just practiced, but lived in every detail. She considers it one of the most authentic images of public joy that brings family and neighbors together around an unforgettable moment.
She explained that it is a traditional celebration held to express joy on various occasions, such as a child's first steps, graduation, marriage, or any success that blossoms within the home. She noted that the 'Nuthoor' for a child's first walking steps is considered the occasion closest to parents' hearts, as it turns a simple event into a festival of happiness and good wishes.
Shadia added that 'Nuthoor' consists of a traditional mix of sweets and nuts like 'Bormith' (Burmit), peanuts, and walnuts, in addition to 'Bidam,' an old Emirati sweet linked to childhood memories. She mentioned that some families add coins to the 'Nuthoor,' and the excitement among the children as they compete to collect as much as possible amidst an atmosphere of fun.
She clarified that in the past, the 'Nuthoor' was placed inside a 'Yabba,' a container made from palm fronds. A woman from the family would carry it and scatter it over the child amidst a gathering of children from the Fareej, making the scene look like a living heritage painting where innocence mixed with joy. After the event, the sweets were distributed to homes accompanied by congratulatory phrases and prayers like 'Masha'Allah, may God pour His blessings upon it,' multiplying the joy as it moved from house to house.
The Spirit of Togetherness Yedho Shadia pointed out that these moments were among the most beautiful images of social cohesion, where mothers and children would gather in an innocent race full of laughter. The mother would rejoice at seeing her child's happiness, and everyone would rejoice at sharing the moment. She believes that 'Nuthoor' was not just a celebration, but an occasion that strengthened the bond among the people of the Fareej.
