Celebrating Christmas in Egypt

Have you ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in countries other than the United States? How about how Christmas is celebrated in Egypt? Do they decorate the pyramids and have a festival? Is December 25^th just another ordinary day along the Nile? What can you expect if you choose Egypt as a destination for celebrating Christmas? There are Christian sects in Egypt that celebrate Christmas on the twenty-fifth day of December, but traditionally Christmas is celebrated on January seventh. The traditional Christians of Egypt are referred to as Copts. The Copts have their own Popes that lead the Christian churches of Egypt. Since Saint Mark was the first person to introduce Christianity to Egypt, he is considered Egypt's first Pope. In modern times, the main Cathedral of the Pope is in Cairo.

In Egypt, the birth of Jesus is celebrated on January 7^th. Since one of the major surviving traditions of the Egyptian Christians is the Coptic calendar, the actual date is the 29^th of "kiohk, or Khiahk". The Russian Orthodox Church also celebrates Christmas at this same time.

Egypt is primarily an Islamic or Muslim country. Even though this is the case, there are many Copts that keep with the Christian traditions. Forty-three days before the celebrations begin, Copts begin advent. During this time there are periods of fasting known as "lent fasting". Though Egyptians don't fast from all foods, certain foods are strictly forbidden. There are no meat, fish, eggs and milk consumed during this time. The significance of the forty-three days is the forty days while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments and the three days are added for the moving of the Mountain El Mokattam. Not everyone observes the lent fasting but most everyone at least observes the last week.

In Egypt, most of the celebrating and cooking happens the week right before Christmas. People decorate their home with lights and Christmas trees. The majority of the Christmas trees are artificial. Christmas bazaars are held where people can shop for trinkets and Christmas gifts. Most of the monies made at these bazaars are donated to different charities. Christmas is Egypt is far less commercialized than it is in the United States.

In modern times there is a midnight celebration honoring the Nativity that occurs at the Church. After the celebration, the celebration is continued by the ringing of the church bells. There are even some Christian Coptics that travel the same route thought to have traveled by the Holy Family by visiting different churches along the way. You will find the biggest Christmas celebration in Cairo at Saint Mark's Cathedral. Here, the Pope generally begins his service at 11:00pm and the service is aired live throughout Egypt on television. At these celebrations the people normally wear new or the best clothing. It is important for them to be dressed appropriate.

During the church services, special Egyptian bread called "Qurban" is passed out among the people in attendance. Traditionally, there are large quantities of this special bread, enough for everyone in attendance. The "Qurban" is adorned with a cross in the middle surrounded by twelve dots. The dots represent the twelve disciples of Jesus.

If you are travel in Egypt during December 25^th, there are places that keep with the Christmas tradition and celebrate this day. You can find hotels and businesses that celebrate Christmas just like they do in the US so you don't have to worry if traveling especially with little children. If you are up to it and you don't have plans come January 7^th, consider celebrating a traditional Egyptian Christmas in Egypt. Enjoy all Egypt has to offer!