Coptic Christmas Day in Egypt

Date and Background:
Coptic Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th each year by the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, due to the use of the Julian calendar for religious celebrations. This differs from the December 25th date recognized by many Western Christian traditions, which follow the Gregorian calendar.

History:
The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, tracing its origins to Saint Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria, circa A.D. 42. The Julian calendar has been retained for liturgical events, maintaining a difference of 13 days from the Gregorian calendar.

Traditions:
Leading up to Christmas Day, devout Copts often observe a 43-day fasting period known as "The Holy Nativity Fast," where they adhere to a vegan diet and focus on spiritual growth.

On Christmas Eve, January 6th, Copts attend a special midnight mass that is typically lengthy and filled with joyous chants and liturgies. The service may last until the early hours of Christmas morning.

After mass, families gather for a festive meal called "Fata," which breaks their fast. This meal often includes meat, eggs, and butter – foods that were avoided during the fasting period.

Activities:
On Christmas Day itself:

• Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate with food and company.
• Exchange of Gifts: While less commercial than Western traditions, it's common for people to exchange simple gifts.
• Charitable Acts: Many engage in charitable acts to support those less fortunate.
• Greeting Each Other: People commonly greet each other with "Eid Milad Majid" (عيد ميلاد مجيد), meaning "Glorious Birth Feast."

Throughout Egypt:

• Public Holiday: It is recognized as a public holiday so many have the day off work and school.
• Presidential Greetings: It's customary for the President of Egypt to extend Christmas greetings to the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese.
• Decorations: Some Egyptian Christians decorate their homes with nativity scenes and Christmas trees.