January 7th Christmas Egypt is the biggest puzzle in the 21st century. Why do Christians in Egypt, and the minority celebrate their Christmas in January and not on December 25 like the rest of the world? Every year, December 25 is a date all too familiar to many. It’s a day viewed from many fronts, religiously and culturally.
In religious realms, Christmas is a day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Culturally, it’s the day when people come together and enjoy the oneness of a family. Nevertheless, as scores around the world hold December 25 in reverence, Egypt does not recognize it. Here (Egypt) where just 15% of her population professes Christianity – Coptic Orthodox Christians – December 25 is just a normal day for them.
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January 7th Christmas Egypt Traditions
Christians in Egypt celebrate their Christmas Day on January 7 every year in line with the Coptic calendar. Coptic Christians prepare for Christmas by singing special praise songs and eating vegan diets only 43 days to Christmas (November 25 to January 6). Anything containing animal products isn’t allowed over the month leading to the big day referred to as ‘Kiahk’. This tradition is known as ‘The Holy Nativity Fast.’ However, elderly people who may have underlying conditions that require them to eat a special diet including animal products are exempted from Kiahk.
A city in Egypt by night. [Photo by Memphis Tours]
Which Country Celebrates Christmas on January 7?
Egypt, Ethiopia and Eritrea are some of the African countries where Christmas celebrations are on January 7. All of these countries belong to the Orthodox faith which follows the Julian calendar. This calendar has a 13-day variance with the Gregorian calendar used by the rest of the world.
Other countries outside Africa that also have celebrations similar to January 7th Christmas Egypt include:
- Georgia
- Serbia
- Russia
- Belarus
A major similarity with all these countries is their use of the Julian calendar. Roman statesman and former military general Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 45 BCE. Many countries adopted it in line with the dictates of the Orthodox Church until the 16th century when the Gregorian calendar was introduced. It brought a massive shift leaving only a few countries to follow the Julian calendar.
Why Does Egypt Celebrate Christmas on January 7th?
January 7th Christmas Egypt is a result of the Julian calendar following the Coptic Orthodox church in Egypt. The church is among the few in the world that remained active users of the Julius Ceasar calendar from 45 BCE. Ceasar was born in Rome and rose to become a military general in the ancient Roman Empire.
Coptic Orthodox Church declined to adopt the Gregorian calendar because it would alter centuries of their religious traditions. Continuing the church’s ancient traditions was an important aspect that the church could not overlook. For example, adopting the Gregorian calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in the 16th century meant altering its calculation of all feast and Easter days.
Egyptian Christmas by Coptic Orthodox Christians. [Photo by Reuters]
What are January 7th Christmas in Egypt Activities?
After a month of fasting and prayer, Coptics break this with hearty Egyptian food and family time. Popular Egyptian foods prepared include the following:
- Fata – a sumptuous casserole made with rice, bread, meat, and a garlic yoghurt sauce
- Zalabya – doughnuts soaked in a sweet syrup
- Kahk – Shortbread with nuts or dates fillings
- Bouri – grilled or deep-fried mullet fish
- Ghraybeh – Crisp and buttery cookies common during festive ceremonies
- Qatayef – Sweetened pastries filled with walnuts or cheese
January 7th Christmas Egypt seems off for many people but it’s incredible. The pre-Christmas preparation involves prayer and strict adherence to a vegan diet for religious reasons. All in all, it’s a beautiful feast that you should be a part of.
