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How to Celebrate an Egyptian Christmas

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(83 Ratings)

In Egypt, the Coptic (Orthodox) Church celebrates the birth of Jesus on January 7. This is a festive day on which family and friends come together.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • New Clothes
  • Candles
  • Candles
  1. Step 1

    Remember that the holy family fled Palestine for Egypt, passing through more than 20 cities on their journey to reach safety and security there.

  2. Step 2

    Observe Advent for 40 days prior to Christmas. During this time, eat no meat, poultry or dairy products. (Today, some people do this for only one week.)

  3. Step 3

    Wear a new outfit on Christmas Eve, following a long-standing tradition in Egypt.

  4. Step 4

    Understand that the church will be decorated with candles and lamps in memory of Joseph, who lit candles to protect Mary from the cold during the Nativity.

  5. Step 5

    Keep in mind that bells will ring when the Christmas Eve church service ends, signaling the end of the fast.

  6. Step 6

    Expect to receive a special bread called "qurban" at the conclusion of the service. The bread will have a cross in the middle and 12 dots, which represent the 12 apostles.

  7. Step 7

    Prepare a Christmas meal (called "fata") of rice, garlic and boiled meat.

  8. Step 8

    Spend Christmas morning visiting others. On your visits bring "kaik" (a type of shortbread), which will be eaten with a special drink called "shortbat."

Tips & Warnings
  • Christians and Muslims both celebrate the Nativity (the birth of Jesus Christ).
  • Egypt is a country with several cultural influences, so its Christmas traditions are diverse and cannot be generalized. The above steps represent a few local traditions that may or may not be appropriate for your celebration.
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