Egypt

Image Source: Africa: Egypt. CIA: the World Factbook. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from @https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/eg.html

= __EGYPT __ =

Christmas Tradition
The official government of Egypt has named the official holiday for celebrations of the season as January 7, which is in recognition of Christians and Muslims, two prominent groups in this country. While the Coptic Churches of Egypt acknowledge their own pope, many of their holiday celebrations reflect those of Western countries' Christian rituals, such as midnight mass. Because of the prevalent Islamic customs and various religious sects are recognized in Egypt, the array of holiday traditions result in a unique seasonal celebration.

Source
Christmas in Egypt This source, provided by the Egypt State Information Service, examines the religious mass that takes place in the Coptic Church, as well as the importance of fasting in preparation for the holiday. The Nativity celebration is described as the shared custom of the Christians and Muslims, as well as Qurban Bread that is decorated according to religious beliefs. The source also discusses the celebrations which take place among other religious sects within the country.

Image Source: In Pictures: Orthodox Christmas. (2008). BBC News One Minute World News. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from @http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7174794.stm

Food
 Image Source: Holy Bread (Qurban). (2010). Taste of Beirut. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from @http://www.tasteofbeirut.com/2010/01/qurban-holy-bread/ Within the Egyptian Coptic Church, Qurban bread plays an important role. Following the Christmas mass, this bread is given to those of priority within the church. The bread is unique in that it is traditionally decorated with a cross in the middle, surrounded by twelve dots which are used to symbolize the twelve apostles, although not always presented in this way.

Reference Egypt Information Service. //Christmas in Egypt.// (2010). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from @http://www.sis.gov.eg/en/story.aspx?sid=1761

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