Sham El Nessim in Egypt
Sham El Nessim is a holiday in Egypt.
When is Sham El Nessim in Egypt
Sham El Nessim is celebrated on 17, April, 2023 in Egypt.
About Sham El Nessim in Egypt
Sham El Nessim is a national holiday in Egypt that is celebrated on the Monday following the Coptic Christian Easter. The holiday has been celebrated for thousands of years and is believed to have originated during the time of the pharaohs.
The name “Sham El Nessim” means “smelling of the breeze” and is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “shemu,” which means “harvest.” The holiday is celebrated by Egyptians of all religions and is a time for families to gather together and enjoy the outdoors.
Traditionally, Egyptians celebrate Sham El Nessim by eating a special dish called “fesikh,” which is made from fermented mullet fish. They also eat colored eggs, which symbolize fertility and new life. Families often go on picnics and spend time outdoors, enjoying the spring weather.
In recent years, the holiday has become more commercialized, with businesses offering special deals and promotions. However, the traditional customs and celebrations of Sham El Nessim continue to be an important part of Egyptian culture and heritage.
History of Sham El Nessim in Egypt
Sham El Nessim is an ancient Egyptian holiday that dates back to Pharaonic times. It is celebrated on the day after the Coptic Orthodox Easter, which usually falls on the Monday after the Western Easter.
The name “Sham El Nessim” means “smelling the breeze” in Arabic and refers to the custom of going out to enjoy the spring weather and the blooming of flowers. The holiday has been celebrated for more than 4,500 years and was originally a celebration of the spring equinox.
During the Pharaonic era, the holiday was associated with the god Amun-Ra and was celebrated with feasting, dancing, and the exchange of gifts. It was also a time for the Pharaoh to perform a ritual called “the opening of the Nile” which was believed to ensure a good harvest.
After the arrival of Christianity in Egypt, the holiday took on a new meaning and became associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on a different date than the Western churches, which is why Sham El Nessim is celebrated on a different day.
Today, Sham El Nessim is a national holiday in Egypt and is celebrated by people of all religions and backgrounds. It is a day for families to gather together, enjoy a traditional meal of salted fish, onions, and lettuce, and spend time outdoors enjoying the spring weather. The holiday is also marked by the exchange of flowers and colored eggs, which are symbols of new life and renewal.
How is Sham El Nessim celebrated in Egypt
Sham El Nessim is celebrated in Egypt on the Monday following Coptic Easter. It is a national holiday and is celebrated by people of all religions and backgrounds.
The traditional way of celebrating Sham El Nessim is by going on a picnic with family and friends. People usually go to parks, gardens, or the Nile riverbank to enjoy the day. They bring traditional foods like salted fish, onions, and lettuce, and also enjoy other foods like grilled meat, sandwiches, and sweets.
Another popular activity on Sham El Nessim is painting eggs. People usually paint eggs with bright colors and patterns and then exchange them with family and friends as a symbol of good luck.
In addition to these activities, Sham El Nessim is also celebrated with various cultural events and festivals across the country. These events include music performances, exhibitions, and traditional dances.
Overall, Sham El Nessim is a day of joy and celebration in Egypt, where people come together to enjoy the spring weather and spend time with their loved ones.
Dates
Sham El Nessim will be celebrated in Egypt on 2023-04-17, 2024-05-06, 2025-04-21, 2026-04-13, 2027-05-03 in the comming years.