JEDDAH: Every year, senior family members in Saudi Arabia and around the world tell stories of previous Ramadans, with crescent moon sightings taking a prominent position in this ritual.

The sighting of the crescent moon signals the start of the holy month, and it is eagerly anticipated. Members of the community, young and old, rush to the best spot to scan the sky at dusk. It is a tradition that continues in many families to this day.

Before technical breakthroughs that made it easier to see the crescent moon, and in the absence of radio and television, local communities relied on the naked eye and ingenious announcement methods for the sighting of the crescent moon.

Astronomer Mohammed bin Rada Al-Thaqafi told the Saudi Press Agency that every year, astronomical observatories throughout the Kingdom get prepared on the 29th of Shaban to sight the crescent moon.

In modern times, the Ramadan moon sighting is not limited to the naked eye, but is supported by modern technology, such as telescopes and cameras.

In the past, the methods used to announce the beginning of Ramadan to the community and neighboring villages included the use of cannon fire or bonfires at the top of mountains.

Abdul Jaber bin Jaber Ahmad Al-Sheikh, who is almost 100 years old, said: “Every year, before sunset, we would sit at a high spot in the village with serene views of clear skies, waiting for the sighting of the crescent moon. We watched the gradual descent of the sun before sunset. These changing colors had magnificent effects that we admired and later described to our mothers at home.”

He said that being able to witness the sight of the crescent moon with the naked eye was “extremely rare.”

“When the crescent moon appears, everyone rejoiced and celebrated the start of the holy month in a spirit of familiarity, love, and support among members of the family and community,” he added.