After learning about Christmas Traditions in Israel, I was curious to look at Egypt's Traditions for my blog today.Christmas is not celebrated by the general population as a Christian holiday. There is only about 15% that is Christian that do. Most Egyptian Christians belong to the Copic Orthodox Church. They do celebrate Christmas. However, not on December 25th but on January 7th.
Their Christmas is called Kiahk, and during this time, they special sing praise songs on Saturday night before church on Sunday. During the 43 days before Christmas, they fast where they eat only a vegan type diet and do not eat anything that comes from an animal. It is called a' Nativity Fast', but those that may be too ill or weak can be excused from participating.
Churches are decorated with lamps and candles for Christmas. Candles are given to poor people as they are said to represent the candles that Joseph and Mary had used.Homes are also decorated and both live and artificial trees are used but the latter is reported to be used the most.
On January 6th, which they celebrate as Copic Christmas, Copic Christians go to the church for special services. After services are over, they go home to eat a huge dinner and all of the foods contain meat, eggs, and butter.
On their Christmas Day, January 7th, they have parties and festivals.
A lot of people that are not Christians do celebrate it as a secular holiday. Christmas trees, food, and decorations are sold in most supermarkets.
Santa there is called Baba Noel which means Father Christmas and the children hope that he will climb in a window and leave gifts for them.Traditionally all children receive clothes and a few gifts as well for Christmas.
According to historians, the Holy Family lived about 4 years in Egypt after they fled Jerusalem to keep King Herods orders for baby boys to be slaughtered.
So there we go Freinds. Another country whose Christmas Decoration is similar to ours. If you ever got to go to Eygpt during their Christmas celebrations, would you go? I don' believe I would want to.
Yesterdays Question, what did the Ten Lord a-a leaping mean?
Answer: January 3rd. Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. It is in remembrance of Jesus when he was named in the Jewish Temple.
Tomorrow's Question: Eleven Pipers Piping.
Thanks for coming by Friends. I hope you will be back for another country's traditions. In the meantime, have a wonderfully blessed day.
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