Ah, Christmas—a time when our thoughts turn to family gatherings, delectable feasts, and all the beautiful decorations that go along with it. We love decking our homes in tinsel and lights for winter’s most festive holiday. But what about those far away from home?
How do cultures who celebrate this special season but lack a traditional setting decorate their homes? Let’s explore how does egypt decorate for christmas holiday season and discover some unique (and easy!) ways you can bring an Egyptian twist to your own holiday decor.
Is Egypt Good for Christmas?
Egypt is a country with deep-rooted beliefs and traditions, so Christmas is not typically a huge celebration there. In fact, many Egyptian Christians choose to celebrate the holiday in private with family and close friends. Decoration for the occasion is minimal, as most buildings don’t have any display of lights or other decorations that are commonly seen during this time of year in other countries.
The majority of Egyptians celebrating Christmas will usually put up a small Christmas tree at home, decorate it with colored paper chains, stars and bells. Nativity scenes can also be found in some homes and churches throughout the country. As far as public festivities go, many malls and stores will offer special sales around Christmas time but there won’t be any large-scale decorations or holiday events.
What Is an Interesting Fact about Christmas in Egypt?
An interesting fact about Christmas in Egypt is that while it is not an officially recognized holiday, many Egyptians of Christian faith celebrate it. In some areas, Christmas trees and lights are used to decorate homes and public spaces. Some families even exchange gifts with one another or visit churches for special services.
Additionally, traditional Egyptian dishes such as Fattah are served during the Christmas season. Some Egyptians even take part in the global tradition of sending greeting cards to friends and family during the holidays. Regardless of whether it is officially recognized or not, Egypt certainly has its own unique way of celebrating Christmas!
How Does Egypt Say Merry Christmas?
In Egypt, the traditional way to wish someone a Merry Christmas is “Kul sana wa inta tayyib.” This phrase translates to “Have a good year and be well.” Other common ways of expressing holiday greetings are “Kul sana sa’ïd” (Happy New Year) or “Mas’al al khayr” (May it be good). No matter how they’re said, these phrases express the same sentiment of wishing someone peace and happiness during this special time of year.
Similarly to other countries, many Egyptians exchange gifts as part of the Christmas celebration. Generally, children may receive a small gift from their parents, while friends and relatives exchange items of their choosing. However, instead of giving presents on the night of Christmas Eve, Egyptians usually give them out during family gatherings on Christmas day.
10 Ways How Does Egypt Decorate for Christmas
1. Festive Illuminations:
As Christmas approaches, streets and neighborhoods in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria come alive with brilliant displays of colorful lights and decorations. Buildings, shopping centers, and public spaces are adorned with strings of lights, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
When it comes to decorating for Christmas, Egypt is no exception. Although Christmas trees are not traditionally a part of the decor, lights and other decorations, adorn the streets to bring a festive atmosphere to the holiday.
2. Nativity Scenes:
One of the most significant Christmas decorations in Egypt is the nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. Known as the “karamous,” these scenes can be found in churches, homes, and public areas. They often feature handcrafted figurines of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, and other biblical characters. These figures are usually dressed in traditional clothing found in the region, and some may even feature an angel hovering above.
3. Christmas Trees:
Similar to other countries, Egyptians also decorate Christmas trees during the holiday season. These trees, often artificial, are adorned with ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stars. The Christmas tree is usually the centerpiece of the home’s decorations, and families gather around it to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
One unique Egyptian tradition is to hang pomegranates on the Christmas tree instead of apples as a symbol of fertility. Though the specific history behind this tradition is unknown, it is often thought to be a homage to the various fruits and vegetables which grow in Egypt.
4. Wreaths and Garlands:
Wreaths and garlands made from evergreen branches, holly, and berries are commonly used to decorate homes, churches, and public spaces. Egyptians incorporate these traditional symbols of Christmas into their decorations to add a festive touch and create a warm ambiance. Colorful ribbons, bows, and bells may also be used to add a bright, cheerful look. Finally, artificial Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular in Egypt, with many families choosing to buy and decorate them during the holiday season.
5. Coptic Church Decorations:
Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church plays a crucial role in Christmas celebrations. The churches are beautifully decorated with banners, colorful fabrics, candles, and crosses. Intricate designs and patterns, representing ancient Christian motifs, adorn the walls and ceilings, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
An important part of the decorations include Coptic icons, which depict Jesus, Mary, and other religious figures. The churches also use nativity scenes to represent Jesus’s birth. During the Christmas period, the churches are a hub of activity and joy as people gather to celebrate and share in the festive spirit.
6. Street Markets and Bazaars:
During the Christmas season, street markets and bazaars spring up across Egypt. These vibrant markets offer a wide range of Christmas-themed decorations, including ornaments, lights, wreaths, and handmade crafts. People visit these markets to purchase items to decorate their homes and exchange gifts with loved ones. Many street markets also feature live music, food stalls, and festive dancing. Thus, these markets provide an enjoyable atmosphere to experience the holiday spirit.
7. Illuminated Crosses:
Christian communities in Egypt often light up crosses on top of churches and buildings during the Christmas season. These illuminated crosses serve as a symbol of the Christian faith and are visible from afar, creating a mesmerizing sight in the night sky. The crosses usually have white and red lighting, representing the colors of Christmas.
This is a beautiful way to spread holiday cheer throughout towns and cities in Egypt. When these electric lights shine, it’s a reminder to all that the festive season has arrived. Though Christmas is not an official holiday in Egypt, many Egyptian Christians still revel in the joy of the season and use lights to mark Christmas.
8. Church Services and Processions:
Church services and processions are an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Egypt. The Coptic Orthodox Church conducts special liturgical services, including the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, where attendees gather to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The churches are decorated with candles, incense, and floral arrangements, adding to the spiritual ambiance.
Additionally, processions are held on Christmas Day and the Epiphany (January 6th), which involve both singing and dancing. Many of these processions are organized by local communities, with men and women wearing traditional costumes while carrying banners and colorful flags. This is a great way for people to appreciate their cultural heritage while celebrating the holiday season.
9. Handmade Crafts and Ornaments:
Many Egyptians embrace their artistic skills during the Christmas season by creating handmade crafts and ornaments. These unique decorations, often made from natural materials such as straw, wood, and clay, reflect the country’s traditional craftsmanship and add a personal touch to the festivities. Popular items include handmade paper stars, colorful wreaths, and hand-painted wooden figures.
Many of these crafts can be found in local markets throughout Egypt and make great gifts for friends and family. However, despite the popularity of handmade decorations in Egypt, few churches are decorated with Christmas trees or other traditional Western symbols. This is because many Egyptian Christians view these items as too closely associated with Western religions.
10. Community and Family Gatherings:
The spirit of Christmas in Egypt is centered around togetherness and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Families and friends gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and participate in various activities. Homes are adorned with decorations, creating a warm and inviting environment for these gatherings. Throughout the season, Egyptians also visit churches and monasteries for religious celebrations. Christmas carols are sung in various languages to celebrate the holiday.
Conclusion
From handcrafted decorations, to beautiful light displays, Christmas in Egypt is filled with festive and lively activities. Egyptians embrace the holiday season with family traditions and festivities, no matter what religious beliefs they may hold. Whether this is your first time celebrating in Egypt or you’re long-time residents looking for new ways to enjoy the holidays, don’t limit yourself to just traditional decorations.
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to decorating for Christmas in Egypt! So put away the tinsel and mistletoe and be inspired by the Egyptian culture – explore everything a multicultural winter here has to offer in terms of decorations! Share your unique style with those around you as you discover how Egypt decorates for Christmas. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how does egypt decorate for christmas!