Explore Egypt's fascinating cultural tapestry through ten unique traditions only Egyptians understand. From symbolic gestures to culinary rituals and superstitions, delve into a world where everyday actions carry deep cultural significance.
Traditions only Egyptians can understand are key factors in planning vacations in Egypt. This article is written by the ETP team, which will provide every traveler with all the information and details needed to fully understand the unique traditions of the ancient Egyptians. There are so many traditions and customs that are closely attached to the history of Egypt. The traditions of Egypt are as old as time and are built on modesty, honesty, respect, loyalty, and hospitality, offering every new visitor a look in the mind of the Egyptian public, who are known to be very kind and helpful. It is one of the most unique countries in the world, and it has the greatest ancient attractions, which were inherited by the ancients.
In addition to this, there are lots of traditions that were shared between the Egyptians tens of years ago. The Egyptian experience across the lands of Egypt is very special as every traveler will enjoy the unique climate, shopping, food, festivals, and enchanting attractions. The culture of Egypt is very diverse. The Arabic language of Egypt is very rich with many meanings and values that will make time in Egypt even more precious. Some of those traditions are normal, and you can even find them in other countries, but others are really strange and hard to understand for other cultures, and that is why we have collected in our article some of the most unfamiliar traditions & beliefs in Egypt so that whenever you get the chance to come and visit the land of Pharaohs, you don’t get surprised while checking closely those unique traditions. There are traditions only Egyptians can understand:
That expression is used when someone invites someone else to do something without insisting that he/she doesn’t really mean it. The word Marakbiya means the people in a boat in the middle of the sea, and they are definitely away from anyone else, so when someone is inviting another one to enjoy food, drink, or activity, it means that he doesn’t really mean since he won’t be able to apply what he offered.
The origin of the word Marakbiya comes from the word Markeb which means boat in English. It is treated as an unlikely invitation that may never be accepted because it is viewed as a form of courtesy. It is used by Egyptians all over the country as a common saying to express their good intention for offering the ultimate forms of hospitality to all guests.
This is a very old tradition for the Egyptians which requires anyone to step with his right leg whenever he/she is about to enter a new place or to start a new life, just like getting inside the house after getting married to spend a life full of prosperity, happiness, and blessings.
It is a common practice and tradition practiced by people across Egypt and even people in other countries. Many believe stepping into a new building will offer a sense of power and confidence. This tradition can be seen engraved in the culture of even ancient Egypt as seen across all the carvings, wall images, and statues. It is still used by Egyptians all across the country at the moment.
This is one of the strangest traditions in Egypt, and it is mainly for housewives. It is a gasp that should be made while preparing a dish of Mulukhiya to have a tasty dish. It requires the person to open his mouth and make a sound as if he/she were astonished. Even the Egyptian culinary arts have their own traditions when making Mulykhiya, garlic is added to the pot roasting before adding the Mulukhiya and the cook inhales the smell, which gives an insight into how it tastes.
Seeing this exotic traditional life in front of you will be a very enchanting sight to behold. It is very strange, we agree, but it has been a habit that has been inherited over the last centuries, and one generation after another teaches that movement to the other to have a perfect result.
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If you are visiting any Egyptian at his/her home, just make sure to drink the whole glass of juice that is served to you especially if they have daughters as they do believe that if you don’t finish the whole of your glass of juice that is an offense to them and that their daughters won’t get married "we will never know what is the connection" but what to say, it is really strange and interesting.
This tradition explores the uniqueness of the Egyptian traditions as this one truly stands out and showcases that the Egyptians believe in a number of strange traditions that are totally based on superstition.
The Egyptians considered that a black crow brings very bad luck and they also believe that if a black crow stands over the roof of a house, it means that something bad is going to happen at that house and even someone may die. The same can be said regarding the black cat but what is stranger is that they believe that the black cat is a bad spirit that wanders on earth and they shouldn’t look at its eyes at all.
Superstation has always found its way across the culture and streets of Egypt, which explains how modern Egyptians believe in these traditions and how they believe in the powers of fate and its signs.
If you have experienced a twitching eye before, you will know that it is very irritating, but for the Egyptians, it is not just irritating. It means that something really bad is going to happen, especially if the twitching eye is the left one. Many believe it could be a simple eye disease allegory or involuntary reaction, but some also believe it could have some sort of supernational meaning.
There is no specific reason and purpose behind this strange tradition, which many Egyptians believe to be true. It is a bit weird that some Egyptians might take that into consideration that, to many travelers, it could be very cool and amazing to observe.
The majority of Egyptians prefer having girls as that means getting a much better livelihood, although others prefer having boys to get someone who holds your name and commemorates your family name. The birth of a girl in Egypt is a sign of good wealth and fortune that is yet to come.
Egyptian society also believes that having a boy is a much easier process as the boys will grow up to be dependent men who will carry the names of their family, business, and future, but girls are seen as precious gems that need to be protected and honored before founding their path in life.
Coffee is one of the most common Egyptian drinks, but if it happens and you accidentally spill your coffee, it means that something good is about to happen. This incident is seen as a sign of prosperity and joy that is to come, which can provide a very helpful and optimistic sensation.
This conception is highly common in all the households in Egypt and also the arab countries. This weird quirk carries a lot of meaning as a belief of realizing the good from the bad, which is a positive way to look at and continue with life.
What makes Egyptian society unique is its marvelous traditions which affect every single aspect even when it comes to the simple slippers. The Egyptians consider turning slippers the worst thing and that if someone saw a turned one and left it that way, something bad is going to happen and it may also bring the devil into the house.
It highlights that everything has to be in order and organized so no one can fall accidentally and hurt him or herself.
This is a proverb used in Egypt when someone says something good that has recently happened to him and requires the other one to hold the wood in order not to envy him. The saying could refer to people who catch on to the driftwood of a sunken ship in an attempt to save themselves and find rescue.
The time has come for every traveler to discover the treasures of Egypt from natural to cultural to very historical landmarks that date to more than 4000 years plus the amazing relaxing beauty of the Red and Mediterranean seashores through choosing one of our majestic Egypt vacations.
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The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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