Here in (North) Sudan, it's very common to see big terracotta coloured pots standing on the side of a road or a gate. These pots are called 'zeer' (pronounce like
zier) and they are filled with drinking water. I was told that the pots are made of some kind of sand because of its natural functionality as a water filter. The water inside stays remarkably cool, which is no unnecessary luxury in this climate. The reason why I gave this blog the title: 'Charity', is because these pots are used as a way of caring for others by offering them water. The pots are placed outside in public places, so everyone who passes can freely drink water from these pots. Often after a family member has passed away, the remaining family members take the initiative to buy and place these pots outside, in remembrance of the person who passed away. In that sense,.. every sip of water that one drinks from these
zeer pots is both a 'tribute' to the person who passed away and also a way to save the life of someone else.
