Editing Fertility rite (section)

===Islamic traditions===

It is believed in some Islamic traditions that a tree transfers its blessings (''[[barakah]]'') and thus trees were planted on graves. The custom of beating people with twigs is derived from an old fertility rite, with the tree transferring its life force. This practice was performed in [[medieval Egypt]], particularly in [[Cairo]] by a jester called the '''Ifrit al-mahmal'', when the [[mahmal]] carrying the covering of the Kaaba was exhibited. A similar practice also happens in the [[Deccan]] region of India during [[Muharram]]. Pilgrims to Mecca and tombs of saints are also garlanded since it is believed they preserve the life force of a tree.<ref>{{Cite book | last = Schimmel | first = Annemarie | publisher = [[State University of New York Press]] | url = https://archive.org/details/SCHIMMELDecipheringTheSignsPhenomenologicalApproach | title = Deciphering the signs of God: a phenomenological approach to Islam | page = [https://archive.org/details/SCHIMMELDecipheringTheSignsPhenomenologicalApproach/page/n22 19] | access-date = 28 August 2019 }}</ref>