Discover the Magic of Egyptian Christmas Traditions

The Egyptian Christmas tradition are the second greatest Christian occasion after Easter as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ an event that Christian sects celebrate on the night of December 24 and the day of December 25 according to the Gregorian calendar, while churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate it on January 6 and 7 due to the thirteen-day difference between the two calendars.

Although the Bible did not explicitly specify the date of Christ’s birth the early church since the Council of Nicaea in 325 adopted this timing as an official day of celebration.

The Egyptian Christmas Tradition

Among the Egyptian Christmas tradition it is said that the roots of Christmas celebrations including the Christmas tree extend back to ancient Egyptian history.

The ancient Egyptians used palm trees with twelve branches as a symbol of the end of the year during the winter solstice. 

It is believed that this custom later developed into the global tradition of the Christmas tree. This day was also associated in ancient Egypt with the celebrations of the birth of the sun gods which explains the historical importance of this period.

Coptic Christmas and the Holy Month of Kiahk

After mentioning the history of Egyptian Christmas traditions Coptic Christmas falls in the month of Kiahk a month with a special spiritual status.

If you are in Egypt during this period you will witness celebrations full of spirituality and Coptic hymns that fill the atmosphere with tranquility and joy especially during the night masses held every Saturday, where worshipers sing religious songs that refresh the hearts and add a special spiritual atmosphere.

Holy Fast Before Christmas

Before Christmas Copts observe a special fast that lasts for 43 days. This is part of the Egyptian Christmas traditions, and it is from November 25 to January 6.

During this period Christians follow a strict vegetarian diet as they abstain from eating meat and its products in what is known as the “Holy Fast”, which is practiced as a kind of spiritual and physical purification with exceptions for those with special health conditions. 

Christmas celebrations in Egypt remain an unparalleled experience combining ancient traditions and a religious atmosphere making it one of the most beautiful periods that deserve to be explored and lived in its details.

What is the origin of the celebration of the holiday

Christmas is considered one of the most important religious and cultural occasions that unite billions of people around the world especially many who like to know the Egyptian Christmas traditions as Christians celebrate it with special spiritual rituals that include prayers and masses held in churches to celebrate this blessed occasion, but it also goes beyond the religious dimension to become a global social and cultural celebration that brings families together around luxurious dinner tables.

During which the Christmas tree is lit up decorated with lights and cheerful decorations while people exchange souvenirs in an atmosphere filled with joy, and children eagerly await the visit of Santa Claus laden with surprises while the atmosphere resounds with enchanting Christmas carols that add a magical form to the celebration.

Many of the customs associated with Christmas have historical roots dating back to pre-Christian times as some rituals were inspired by ancient pagan legacies, in addition to secular influences and others that arose under the shadow of Christian traditions which makes the celebration of this holiday a mixture of customs inherited through the ages.

How to celebrate Christmas in Egypt

The Egyptian Christmas tradition are wonderfully characterized by ancient traditions and a warm festive atmosphere that fills churches and homes with lights and decorations and since most Egyptian Christians follow the Coptic Orthodox Church their rituals for this holiday have a special form that distinguishes them from the rest of the world.

In Cairo inside the ancient St. Mark’s Cathedral the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church presides over the midnight mass where hymns fill the atmosphere with spirituality.

With the end of the sacred rituals, moments of joy begin with a famous traditional meal known as “Fettah”, a delicious mixture of toasted bread rice garlic and boiled meat that families gather around after the end of fasting.

The joy of the holiday is not limited to the religious atmosphere, but extends to family visits and the exchange of greetings amidst the distinctive flavor of the “Kahk” sweet that bears an Egyptian imprint as Christians and Muslims alike participate in enjoying it during their various holidays, and thus Christmas in Egypt remains a special occasion.

Celebrating Christmas in Trips and Hotels

Egyptians are aware of the passion that tourists have for the Christmas atmosphere and therefore as part of the Egyptian Christmas tradition tourist cities and luxury hotels turn into dazzling paintings that reflect the spirit of celebration.

At the end of November preparations begin strongly as the halls are decorated with magical touches of sparkling lights Santa Claus statues and reindeer that add a festive atmosphere, and bright colors fill the place while the hymns go along with the laughter of visitors to make it a special occasion.

Palm trees shine with bright lights while real Christmas trees are in the middle of the hotel courtyards adding a distinctive look to the festive scene. Because Christmas Eve deserves distinction restaurants offer special buffets and exceptional menus that show the joy of the occasion so that everyone can have an unparalleled experience.

As for the charming decorations they remain present until the Coptic Christmas as the joyful atmosphere continues that makes Egypt a destination to enjoy the spirit of the holiday in its most beautiful forms.

What are the most beautiful places in Egypt during the holiday?

Egypt attracts millions of visitors annually where luxury meets history in an unparalleled atmosphere that is enlivened by Egyptian Christmas traditions.

From the picturesque beaches of the Red Sea to the markets of Cairo, and from desert safaris to tours of the Pharaonic temples in Upper Egypt the country offers a magical experience at any time of the year crowned by joyful Christmas celebrations.

The Egyptian capital is not only home to the famous pyramids and the Saladin Citadel, but it is transformed into a celebration of  Special in the Christmas season with shopping malls covered in bright lights and huge Christmas trees, while Khan El Khalili market is filled with visitors looking for unique gifts that reflect the ancient Egyptian heritage

The festive atmosphere is not limited to Cairo, but extends to the cities of Upper Egypt where luxury hotels organize lavish Christmas parties on the banks of the Nile where you can have a royal dinner while enjoying special entertainment shows then go to explore the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in an ideal winter atmosphere, and a Nile cruise during the holiday season is a magical experience.

The weather in Egypt during December

Although Egypt is known for its warm climate winter can surprise you with a drop in temperatures at night especially in January where they may touch single digits after sunset so do not let the warmth of the day fool you it is best to carry a heavy jacket or a warm coat when walking around in the evening and see the Egyptian Christmas traditions during December, January and February.

During the day temperatures remain ideal for enjoying the sun reaching 23 degrees Celsius in the shade while they may exceed 30 degrees under direct sunlight, giving you a great atmosphere for your vacation even the waters of the Red Sea remain warm not falling below 20 degrees Celsius, making swimming possible even in winter.

FAQs

What activities do Egyptians do on Christmas?

Celebrating with relatives and friends and going to parks.

What do Egyptians do on Christmas?

Egypt is full of celebrations and going to church.

Why do Christians celebrate on 7/1?

Because it coincides with Christmas Day.

In conclusion, we would like to clarify to you that Egyptian Christmas traditions remain the best among other countries as the form of celebration in Egypt since ancient times has differed from other countries so do not hesitate to visit Egypt on Christmas, and we hope that you like this article.