Today, 11 September 2022, Egypt marks its New Year 6264, the date which, according to Egyptology studies, Egyptians began counting the years. The same date also marks the Coptic New Year 1739 on the ascendancy of the Roman Emperor Diocletian to the throne. The reign of Diocletian saw such horrendous persecution of Christians—thousands upon thousands of Egypt’s Christians were martyred—that Egyptians decided to use that date to begin their Calendar of the Martyrs.
Palms are very much a symbol of the Coptic New Year, because Copts have a tradition of eating red dates on that day, the “red” symbolising the blood of the martyrs.
Watani wishes its readers a happy, blessed New Year. With the Coptic Church we chant: “Lord, bless the crown of this year with Your goodness”.
Watani International
11 September 2022