Coptic Orthodox - Egypt Christmas
By Lily Smith
Coptic Orthodox - Egypt Christmas
Hi There!
Today I have gathered and put together a presentation all about Coptic Orthodox Day.
ENJOY
ENJOY
What is the purpose of the celebration?
- Religious Festival for the 15% of Christians
- Belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church
What is the history of the celebration?
- was first celebrated in 642
- became a holiday in 2002 as an official holiday
- origin legend traced back to Mark
- commemorates Moses
- christmas trees used to be palm tree
When is this celebrated?
- advent- between 40-45 days before the celebration (November 20-30 through January 6)
- celebration is held on January 7
Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo
What are some traditional foods?
- vegan diet during advent
- meat, eggs, butter
- fata- lamb soup
- kahk (sweet biscuits)
- shortbat (celebration drink)
- zalabia- pastry
- bouri- fish dish
Kahk
Zalabia
Bouri
Fata
Shortbat
What are the colors associated with this celebration?
RED AND WHITE
- green- holly, ivy, mistletoe
- red- holly berries, apples (from palms... Adam's fall)
- white- paper on palm trees, cloth on alter
- blue- Mary (mother of Jesus)
- ADVENT- blue and purple (MAIN COLORS)
Is there any special cloths associated with this holiday?
- PRIEST- ceremonial clothes
- FAITHFUL- newest clothes
Is there any special decorations to celebrate?
- Christmas tree
- Manger
- Lights
- Other American Christmas Decor
What are some other traditions?
- kahk - given as gifts ; replacement for Christmas cookie
- Santa - Baba Noel (father Christmas)
- Service is from 11pm to 4am with the ringing of bells
- gifts - sweets, El'Aida
- broadcast all over Egypt
- artificial snow on trees
What are some other traditions?
- even though different religions celebrate differently, many of the food traditions are the same
- to reduce disturbances during prayer, the security is much tighter
Thank You!
Thank you for watching my presentation over Egyptian Christmas. I hope you enjoyed it and found it interesting as did I.