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Egypt has a rich history and culture dating back thousands of years, starting with the Pharaonic culture, then Christianity. Our guide to Egyptian culture and customs will help you navigate all the fascinating aspects of Egypt and fit right in with the locals on your next visit. 

 Customs and traditions in Egypt


Those who want wealth and prosperity to come to their house, then bury a weasel at the doorstep. Some Egyptians believe that burying a weasel will bring them good luck. One main distinction between traditional, usually rural, and urban middle-class eating habits concerns the seating and service of food. In villages, people sit on the floor to eat, while in cities people sit at a table.


 Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. Egypt's culture and customs are truly cosmopolitan and the perfect fusion of many of the other cultures and traditions here. Here the tradition, introduced by Islam, of prayer 5 times a day is still observed. The exact time for prayer is printed in local newspaper



The Ancient Egyptians



Customs and traditions play an important role in the lives of the Ancient Egyptians. They give modern Egyptians a sense of stability and a feeling of continuity. The concept of ma'at (harmony and balance) governed Egyptian culture and, whether of upper or lower class, Egyptians endeavored to live in peace with their neighbors. Religion was also an important aspect of Ancient Egyptian culture.


 The ancient Egyptians were a polytheistic people who believed that gods and goddesses controlled the forces of the human, natural, and supernatural worlds. Religious behavior encompassed contact with the divine through rituals, prayers, offerings, and other forms of worship. These traditions give modern Egyptians a sense of stability and continuity, and help them to pride themselves on their recorded history.



The Pharaohs



Egyptian culture and customs are truly cosmopolitan and the perfect fusion of many of the other cultures and traditions here. The dominant symbols in the formal and semiformal sphere derive mainly from aspects of Egypt's history, especially the Pharaonic and Islamic.


 The concept of ma'at (harmony and balance) governed Egyptian culture and, whether of upper or lower class, Egyptians endeavored to live in peace with their neighbors. The ancient Egyptians were a polytheistic people who believed that gods and goddesses controlled the forces of the human, natural, and supernatural worlds.



Religion



The Egyptian culture has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with a strong focus on religion. Islam is the main religion practiced in Egypt, with about 90% of the population being Muslim. Because of this, religious customs and traditions play a large role in everyday life. 


For example, many expressions of the Islamic faith can be seen through dress, diet, and regular prayer. It is also considered impolite to point the toe or any part of the foot towards another person. Egyptians take their religion very seriously and as such, tourists should respect local customs and traditions when visiting.



Customs and traditions



Egypt is a country with a rich and long history, dating back to the time of the Pharaohs. This history has left its mark on the country's customs and traditions, which are a unique blend of many different cultures and influences. 


Egyptians are a very hospitable people and will always go out of their way to make sure their guests are comfortable and have everything they need. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift for the host or hostess, such as flowers or chocolates.



One of the most important aspects of Egyptian culture is religion. Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, with over 90% of the population being Muslim. The Prophet's Birthday is one of the most important holidays in Islam and is celebrated with great fanfare all over the country. Another important holiday in Egypt is Christmas, which is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians.

Egyptians are very proud of their culture and traditions and are always happy to share



Marriage



Egyptian weddings are full of color and tradition. The bride typically wears a jewel-toned dress with a veil, while the groom wears a ceremonial tribal costume. These days, the groom usually pays for the shabka (a gold gift to the bride) and the mahr (a dowry). 


An Egyptian marriage is also the union of two families, which is reflected in the Zaffa (a music and dance celebration), the kosha (the exchange of gifts between families), and the tradition wherein the groom's mother-in-law presents him with a ring.



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