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Holiday Traditions of Egypt

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in Egypt

In Egypt, about 15% of the population are Christians, and they are the ones who celebrate Christmas as a religious festival. Most Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which follows the Coptic calendar. As a result, Coptic Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7th, while the Armenian community in Egypt observes Christmas on January 6th.

Coptic Christmas and the Holy Nativity Fast

The month leading up to Christmas is known as Kiahk, the fourth month of the Coptic calendar. During this time, Coptic Christians attend special worship services on Saturday nights, filled with hymns and songs of praise. The 43 days before Christmas, called Advent, begin on November 25th and last until January 6th. During this period, Coptic Christians observe a special fast known as the Holy Nativity Fast, adhering to a strict vegan diet. This fast excludes all animal products, including meat, poultry, and dairy. However, those who are too weak or ill to participate may be excused.

Christmas Eve Liturgy

On Christmas Eve, January 6th, Coptic Christians attend a special liturgy or church service. These services typically begin around 10 PM and conclude shortly after midnight, though some continue until dawn. The Christmas Eve service is a central part of the religious celebration, drawing worshippers together to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Breaking the Fast and Christmas Feasts

After the Christmas service, families return home to break their fast with a festive meal. The dishes served are rich and hearty, featuring foods that were avoided during the Advent fast. One of the most popular dishes is fatta, a flavorful soup made with layers of bread, rice, garlic, and boiled lamb. Christmas Day itself is a time for joyous gatherings, where people host parties and share meals. It's also common to exchange gifts of kahk, special sweet biscuits traditionally baked for the occasion.

Secular Christmas Celebrations in Egypt

While Christmas is primarily a religious celebration for Christians in Egypt, non-Christian Egyptians also embrace the holiday in a more secular way. Cities and homes are adorned with Christmas trees, colorful lights, ornaments, garlands, and wreaths, creating a festive atmosphere. Baba Noel (Father Christmas) is the Egyptian version of Santa Claus. According to tradition, Baba Noel climbs through windows to leave presents for children, who eagerly leave out kahk biscuits for him. On Christmas morning, families and friends come together to exchange gifts and celebrate.

A Blend of Religious and Secular Traditions

In Egypt, Christmas is a time for both religious observance and joyful celebration. For Coptic Christians, the holiday is deeply spiritual, centered around worship and fasting. For others, it is a festive occasion marked by decorations, gift-giving, and gatherings with loved ones. The blend of traditions, from the sacred to the secular, makes Christmas a unique and cherished time of year in Egypt.

Holiday Traditions in Egypt

Video by Associated Press

Traditional Egyptian Holiday Recipes

During the holiday season, Egyptian families come together to enjoy festive dishes that are rich in tradition and flavor. These recipes are often served during the Christmas feast, especially after the Holy Nativity Fast, when Coptic Christians break their fast with a hearty meal. Here are a few authentic Egyptian dishes that are commonly enjoyed during the holiday celebrations:

1. Fatta (Egyptian Lamb and Rice Dish)

Fatta is a beloved dish in Egypt, especially during festive occasions like Christmas. This rich and flavorful dish consists of layers of toasted bread, rice, and garlic-infused lamb broth, making it a satisfying meal after the long Advent fast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) lamb, cut into chunks
  • 2 cups rice
  • 4-5 pita breads, cut into squares
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 4 cups beef or lamb broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the lamb chunks and broth to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, until the lamb is tender. Remove the lamb from the broth and set aside. Reserve the broth for later use.
  2. In a pan, toast the pita bread squares with a little oil until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  3. In another pan, heat some oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the vinegar and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the reserved broth to the garlic and vinegar mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. Cook the rice separately according to package instructions.
  6. To assemble, layer the toasted bread on the bottom of a serving dish, followed by the rice. Pour the garlic broth over the top, ensuring the bread and rice soak up the flavors.
  7. Top with the cooked lamb and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

2. Kahk (Egyptian Sweet Biscuits)

Kahk are traditional Egyptian cookies commonly baked during Christmas and other festive occasions. These sweet biscuits have a soft, crumbly texture and are often filled with dates, nuts, or simply dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ghee (clarified butter), melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Optional fillings: date paste, nuts (ground walnuts or almonds)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sesame seeds, sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Gradually add the melted ghee to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands until the dough becomes crumbly and sandy.
  3. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dough, kneading until it comes together and forms a soft, pliable dough.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. If desired, fill each ball of dough with a small amount of date paste or chopped nuts, then shape it into a smooth round biscuit.
  6. Place the kahk on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
  7. Allow the biscuits to cool, then generously dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

3. Roz Bel Laban (Egyptian Rice Pudding)

Roz Bel Laban is a creamy Egyptian rice pudding that is often served as a comforting dessert during the holidays. It’s made with simple ingredients like milk, rice, and sugar, and flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup short-grain rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon or crushed nuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
  3. Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the cooked rice. Stir continuously over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. If desired, stir in the ground cinnamon and raisins for extra flavor.
  5. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
  6. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed nuts. Serve warm or chilled.

4. Glaylah Bel Asal (Egyptian Filo Pastry with Honey)

Glaylah Bel Asal is a traditional Egyptian dessert made with layers of crispy filo pastry, drizzled with honey, and often topped with nuts. This dessert is sweet and crunchy, making it a delightful treat during holiday celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package filo dough (about 12 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with melted butter.
  2. Layer half of the filo sheets in the baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
  3. Sprinkle the chopped nuts and cinnamon over the filo sheets.
  4. Layer the remaining filo sheets on top, brushing each layer with melted butter.
  5. Using a sharp knife, score the pastry into squares or diamonds.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filo is golden and crispy.
  7. Once out of the oven, drizzle the honey over the warm pastry, allowing it to soak in.
  8. Let the pastry cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional nuts, if desired.

These traditional Egyptian recipes bring the flavors of the holiday season to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these dishes with your loved ones during the festive celebrations!