Happy Resurrection Feast and Shamm al-Nessim

Today, Egypt’s Copts celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection, by far the most significant event marked by the Coptic Church.

Tomorrow, Egypt in its entirety celebrates the time honoured spring feast of Shamm al-Nessim, a feast that goes back to ancient Egypt.

It was, and still is, marked with early morning outdoor outings to the banks of the River Nile or to fields, parks, or gardens. People eat coloured eggs, salted fish, onions, and green chickpeas; all of which are foods that are associated in one way or another with the rejuvenation of life.

This year, however, it is expected that the celebrations would be somewhat muted because the spring feast comes during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

When Christianity became the religion of the majority of Christians, Shamm al-Nessim would frequently come during Lent, a time that lends itself poorly to celebration. Egyptians thus moved the date to the Monday following the Sunday of the Resurrection, and thus it stands till today.

Watani wishes its readers a happy Resurrection Feast, and a Shamm al- Nessim full of joy.