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International drum festivals. Photo by Yasser Mohammed-

10 Egyptian Tradition you should know about

Egypt has rich history and culture way back thousands of years. Starting with pharaonic culture, Christianity and Islam. Egypt is among the earliest civilization. Many other cultures and ethnic groups have influenced its culture, who have either lived in or invaded the country. The way the cultures blended might be difficult for foreigners to understand. But when someone understands and appreciates the traditions. 

Egypt is one of the countries that has impressed the world with its breathtaking attractions and unique tourist places. The Egyptian people are known for their hospitable and are extremely generous. It has some traditions which are astonishing  and is harder to understand the meaning 

Here are 10 Egyptian traditions you should know about

1. Stepping with the right leg

When going into a new place like a new house step with your right leg. It is believed by doing so you can bless it and bring in good, happiness and prosperity. This is one of the oldest beliefs in Egypt. Many carvings, wall images, and statues are designed with the right leg one step forward. It is also recommended when starting a new life after married you have to enter with the right leg in the house it also brings prosperity.

2. Ramadan

Ramadan 2017.Photo by Ibrahim –

Ramadan is a holy month for Egyptians. People celebrate the month with friends and relatives. During this month the Egyptians stay awake at night and spend time in prayer and spiritual activities. They donate to charity and also indulge in the renewal of relationships by sharing love and affection. The Egyptian holiday season goes throughout the country.

3. 3ozomet Marakbiya

 3ozomet Marakbiya is one of many customs in Egypt society. This type of tradition means when someone invites another for drinks/ food or something else when he doesn’t mean it. It is a very common request. Egyptian say it on various occasions depending on the situation. Marakbiya originates from the Arabic word ‘Mark’ which means a boat. It is a kind gesture unlikely to be accepted 

4. Mummy and Cartonnage

Egyptian mummy. Photo by Yair Halkai- – 

The ancient Egyptians believed that the favored people would live physically after death in the western land. The land that has been ruled by God of the Dead, Osiris, and the preservation of the body was essential for his life eternal. To achieve physical immortality the dead person’s body was embalmed, wrapped, and buried with a variety of tomb objects.

To mummify the bodies of the deceased, the Egyptians first removed the brain and viscera of the body and preserved them in a vessel called canopic jars. They dried the body with a naturally occurring salt compound that was known as natron. To dehydrate the body they added artificial eyes, applied oil to the skin to restore its suppleness, and then wrapped the corpse in linen bandages papyrus tightly pressed and glued together called cartonnage. The mummified bodies were then placed in coffins and entombed masks.

5. Mulukhiya Gasp/ Shah’et El Mulukhiya

Egyptian breakfast food. Photo by Reema –

 This is a fun tradition that Egyptian women have occurs when they cook Mulukhiya. It is a dish of vegetables mixed with leaves of corchorous clitoris. This is one of the most traditional Egyptian dishes. The ideal way to perfect the taste is by adding garlic to the pot. It requires the person cooking to inhale and suddenly with their mouth make a sound like that of astonishment. This habit has been inherited over the last centuries and generation after another. It teaches that the movement to the other to have a perfect result.

6. Beware of the black crow 

A black crow. Photo by Sardak –

Egyptians don’t like black crows. They believe if a black crow stands on a house roof something bad might happen or its people most commonly, someone will die.

Crows have a complicated relationship with people. Since they are considered an omen of ad luck. In any case, crows are heard or seen as sick or dead are nearby due to the beliefs. These beliefs say that God sent the crow to teach Cain how to bury Abel’s body.

7. Dress etiquette

Egyptians’ traditional clothes. Photo by Annie –

Business attire is formal and conservative. One is recommended to dress well if you want to make a good impression. Men should wear dark-colored, lightweight, conservative business suits, especially to the first meeting. They should avoid wearing visible jewelry, especially around the face and neck. While women must careful to cover themselves appropriately.  Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.

8. spilling of coffee

 Coffee and red tea are the most common drinks in Egypt. It is believed that if you accidentally spill coffee is a good omen. When someone spills coffee, most surrounding people tell them that this is a good sign. Meaning that good things will happen.

9. Celebration in Egypt

Egypt is known for having more celebrations compared to other countries. Some kind of celebration could be religious, folkloric, or contemporary. When celebrating the Egyptian pour into the streets. The major festivals of music, songs, and dance performances with delicious food and drinks take place like Coptic orthodox Christmas, Abu Simbel Sun Festival, Coptic orthodox Easter, and Sham Ennessim. others include the following Eid-al-Fitr, sandbox music festival, new year, and Mild un Nabi.

10. Da2 El Hon, Drumming El Hon 

International drum festivals. Photo by Yasser Mohammed – 

people normally use el hons to mince garlic. When a new baby is seven days old the family and friends celebrate with guests singing for the baby. While the parents distributed sweets. It is a tradition to drum a metal hon and make a loud noise. While making a statement to the baby like ‘always listen to your mom and not your dad’ or ”love your grandparents more than your uncles”. 

Drumming el hon next to the baby’s ear makes it accustomed to the noise. Some people believe that the baby follows the statement they say in its ears and applies them in their later life