HW 34: Gold and Date Palms

In Iraq, gold is very valuable to the citizens. Riverbend says that this is due to the value of the Iraqi Dinar, equivalent to $3 in the United States (Riverbend 100). The Dinar kept fluctuating over time, so many Iraqis invested in gold instead, because of the fact that the value of gold doesn’t change. Many Iraqis own gold so that their savings don’t decrease over time. Iraqis have many other purposes for gold as well. Gold is given to newlywed couples as a gift, and can also be given for newborn babies. The family receiving the gold is allowed to sell it if they need the money, or they can keep it for the child someday. This is very different than in the United States. At a baby shower, you wouldn’t give someone an expensive gift so they can sell it for money. I found that interesting and the Iraqi people seem kind in this way. Date palms in Iraq serve as almost a haven for the people. It is a small paradise. “Just seeing the orchards brings a sort of peace (Riverbend 103). The orchards are green and welcoming, and it is a much better site for the Iraqis to see than tanks, guns, and blood. Also, in the winter months many exotic birds flock to the trees for shelter and food. It seems like a very relaxing area to be around.