Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, as told in the Book of Esther. Jews celebrate by feasting, giving gifts, dressing in costume, reading the megillah (which tells the Purim story) and indulging in revelry. Typically, Jews greet one another on Purim by saying “Happy Purim” in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino or their vernacular language. Here are a few ways of saying it:
- Chag Purim Sameach (חג פורים שמח) — This Hebrew expression means: “Happy holiday of Purim!”
- Purim Sameach (פורים שמח) — Also Hebrew, this is a shorter version of the greeting above: “Happy Purim!”
- Freilichen Purim — This is a Yiddish for: “Happy Purim!”
- Purim Allegre — Ladino for: “Happy Purim!”
Here’s more Purim vocabulary worth knowing: gragger (a noise-maker used for drowning out the name of the villainous Haman), hamantashen (traditional triangle-shaped Purim cookies, which are known in Israel as oznei Haman, ears of Haman)), spiel (a Purim play), matanot l’evyonim (gifts given to the poor). For more essential Purim words and phrases, check out this article.
Other Purim Traditions
- On Purim, Jews read the megillah in synagogue.
- Jews exchange edible gifts, called mishloach manot on Purim.
- Purim is celebrated with a festive meal, called a seudah.
- On Purim, it is traditional to dress in costume.
- Drinking alcohol is also encouraged on Purim, to enliven the proceedings.
Other Jewish Holiday Greetings
Want to know how to greet your friends and family on other Jewish holidays? Check out these articles:
- How to Greet Someone on Rosh Hashanah
- How to Greet Someone on Yom Kippur
- How to Greet Someone on Sukkot
- How to Greet Someone on Passover
- How to Greet Someone on Hanukkah
More on Purim
Got other Purim questions? Here are a few more articles that may be of interest:
Help us keep Jewish knowledge accessible to millions of people around the world.
Your donation to My Jewish Learning fuels endless journeys of Jewish discovery. With your help, My Jewish Learning can continue to provide nonstop opportunities for learning, connection and growth.
- Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman?
- How is Purim celebrated in Israel?
- Where can I find a tutorial on making hamantaschen?
