Egypt is a hot and phenomenal country positioned in the northeastern corner of Africa. Egypt is a country in which Christmas is seldom celebrated; it is celebrated by foreigners who decide to visit or relocate to this nation. 90 per cent of the population is Islam, and this religion does not usually celebrate this winter festival.
Family traditions
Only 15 per cent of the Egyptian population is Christian, and only a small portion praise this winter wonderland. During this season, Egyptian Christians head to Coptic Orthodox Churches, where Christmas is celebrated. Egypt celebrates Christmas on 7 January, like Moldova, Russia, Ethiopia, and Serbia. Like all children, they wait patiently for Baba Noel (Santa Claus) to sneakily climb down their chimney and leave behind some gifts! In the United States of America, children devise cookies, a glass of milk, and some carrots for Santa Claus and his Reindeers; however, children leave kahk (sweet biscuits) in Egypt.
Kiahk
Kiahk is the Coptic month leading to Christmas, and on Saturday nights before the Sunday ceremony, citizens sing beautiful praise songs to bring the spirit. “The Holy Nativity Fast” is a tradition in Egypt in which 43 days before Christmas day, citizens fast themselves and consume a vegan diet. This diet does not include chicken, beef, milk, and eggs. This fast should not be harmful; nevertheless, if individuals feel weak or ill, they can end fasting and eat properly.
Christmas meals
On 6 December, Coptic Christmas Eve, individuals head to church for the liturgy. Individuals come at 9:00 pm to meet family, relatives, and friends. At 10:00 pm, individuals are allowed to pray, and the service commences at 10:30 pm. At 4:00 am, the end of the service, people head home and eat a generous and delightful Christmas meal that contains all the food types. The “Fata” is a famous lamb soup that consists of bread, rice, garlic, and boiled lamb meat; it is commonly eaten during this season. On 7 January, Christmas day, individuals come together to rejoice and feast on a meal. Citizens enjoy bringing kahk to hand as gifts.
In a nutshell, Egypt’s Christmas traditions are similar to Moldova, but different at the same time. Christmas as a holiday is expanding across the country, and more individuals are celebrating despite what religion they are. Egyptians are admiring Christmas by purchasing Christmas trees, food, and decorations sold in stores and markets. Egypt is growing more and more festive each year!
Discover Youth.md on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram!
Reporter Youth.md: Gesica Sîrbu
No Comment