Traditions of Egypt. National traditions and customs of Egypt Marriage customs in Egypt

Egypt is becoming more Europeanized every year. This happens under the influence of tourists, whom the country receives in huge numbers. The townspeople speak English and adhere to the European style of clothing, but the villagers give preference to local customs and traditions and wear national clothes. As a tourist in this country, you may not even have time to feel the exotic Arabian spirit, but it is preferable to familiarize yourself with the main features before heading to sunny Egypt.

Language

The official language is Arabic, but local Egyptians speak an Arabic dialect. In addition, many city residents can communicate fluently in English and speak French. At the same time, a Russian tourist who does not speak foreign languages ​​need not worry about this. There are a number of hotels in Egypt designed for Russian tourists. Employees of such hotels can communicate freely in Russian and understand our speech without any problems. Excursions are also accompanied by a Russian guide.

Transport

You can get around by minibus or taxi. The price should be agreed upon in advance to prevent price increases from unscrupulous taxi drivers. As elsewhere in Egypt, you can rent a car, but it is best to avoid this, since local drivers practically do not follow traffic rules.

Currency

Before you go to Egypt, make sure to take enough dollars or euros with you. You can exchange them here for local currency (Egyptian pounds) at any exchange office. The exchange rate is the same everywhere, as it is set by the state. The main disadvantage of local currency is that bills of different denominations are very similar to each other. In this regard, it is necessary to count your change extremely carefully, since enterprising sellers may deliberately give you change in smaller denominations. This type of fraud is very common in Egypt.

Precautionary measures

Drink only purified water that comes in bottles. Avoid drinking tap water. Do not buy stale products, and wash fruits thoroughly. While on vacation, be careful of marine life. Those that pose some threat have a corresponding warning color. Do not pick corals in the sea, as there is a fine for this. During the scorching sun, do not forget to use sunscreen. At sunset, sea urchins may appear on the shores of the Red Sea. It is better to swim in the pool at this time of day.

Behavior

Religion left a certain imprint on the behavior of men and women in Egypt. Islam does not allow overly revealing outfits, and the usual European behavior will be too frivolous here. For example, a woman should not be left alone with a man under any pretext. Even drinking tea together can be regarded by an Arab man as consent to spend the night. You cannot wear shorts and T-shirts in the city (this style of clothing is allowed only in resort towns and in the hotel area). At bus stops you will never see a woman and a man standing next to each other. And if you are traveling as a couple, but are not in an official relationship, then you may be automatically assigned to different rooms.

Signs and superstitions

One of the interesting pictures that may shock you is a pleasant-smelling woman in a stylish expensive outfit walking with a child who, to put it mildly, looks unkempt. Her child may be smeared with soot and dressed in rags. Don't think that you have met an irresponsible mother. This is just the embodiment of the superstition that children can be jinxed, and if the child is “not visible” under the soot, then no one can jinx him.

Beware of giving out compliments when you come to Egypt. The Egyptians themselves are very wary of this. They believe in the evil eye and damage, and prefer to do without praise, thereby protecting themselves from the evil eye.

You should not show your soles to strangers (even randomly), as this may cause a storm of indignation from local residents. This is a sign of disrespect and bad manners. Also be careful with statements and negative assessments about Egypt. If the locals hear you, then at least you will feel what Arab disapproval means.

Many activities are prohibited after sunset. It is not customary for Egyptians to cut their nails before going to bed, clean up or sew.

Nutrition

Most hotels offer all-inclusive meals. This means that you can exclude the food expense item. However, it will be strange to go to Egypt and not try the local cuisine, not sit in local restaurants, and eat only the Europeanized food that will be offered to you at the hotel.

When choosing a place for dinner, do not end up in a European restaurant or fast food cafe. The menu of a real Egyptian restaurant should include such national dishes as bean paste, bean dough pies, sesame paste, kebab, etc.

Religion

Oddly enough, the leading feature of Egypt is religion. This does not concern tourists so much (although certain limits must be adhered to, especially when it comes to Islam), as it makes it possible to understand the style of behavior of local residents. When visiting temples (even if you are just there on an excursion), you should adhere to religious customs and dress in accordance with Islam (women must cover their shoulders and hide their knees).

By adhering to the basic rules of behavior, taking into account local traditions and customs, you will be able to avoid unnecessary adventures in Egypt and will be able to take home only pleasant emotions and impressions.

Due to the fact that Egypt is a Muslim country, it is therefore advisable to wear shorts and T-shirts only at resorts. Women should not wear clothes that are too revealing, especially if they are traveling alone. Violence against tourists is excluded, but the importunity of local men quickly becomes boring. You should not agree to an offer to give a lonely woman a lift or drink a cup of tea alone. Remember also that an accepted invitation to a disco or a cafe will definitely be regarded as an agreement to share the night.
Egyptians consider the behavior of Western women to be quite free and your excessive friendliness and openness may be interpreted incorrectly. When choosing an outfit for vacation, do not forget about customs of Egypt: Egypt is an Islamic country, people here are believers, traditions are Puritan. According to Muslim laws, it is believed that if a woman is uncovered, and even more so if some parts of her body are exposed, especially her stomach, then she is easily accessible. In fact, if the tourists realized that they were shouting after them, they would have heard that these were offensive things. Special advice to men who, wanting to sunbathe, take off their T-shirts on the streets of resort towns. Not only is this simply offensive to the eye, it is also a manifestation of disrespect for the traditions of a Muslim country.

When photographing people, you should ask for their consent, since the Koran prohibits depicting a person, and it may be unacceptable for a religious Egyptian to pose in front of the camera. Egyptians are very friendly and helpful, but they don’t do anything for nothing. Think about how you will pay before accepting help from someone. When providing any service, you will be asked for “baksheesh”. Baksheesh is considered decent and is 5% of the cost of the service. But if they ask you for 5 pounds, you can easily give ten times less.

In the East, it is customary to bargain, and the more firmly you stand your ground, the more respectful they will treat you. Before you hire a taxi or buy anything at the market, agree on the price, and then under no circumstances make any concessions. In almost all Egyptian settlements there is a special tourist police. Its employees are recognized by the "Tourist Police" armband. The police officer is obliged to provide assistance, provide the necessary information and speak English.

Egyptians, men and women, are passionate smokers. The most famous brand of good local cigarettes is Cleopatra. Hookah smoking is very common; the Egyptians call it “shisha”. Tobacco for smoking can be light and strong, with the aroma of honey, apples, strawberries or peaches. He has nothing to do with drugs. You can safely try smoking by ordering a hookah in a cafe, because... Hygiene is ensured through the use of disposable plastic mouthpieces. Day off is Friday.

Do not disturb Muslims on Friday before 12 noon, do not make appointments and do not break into closed shops. Until their owners perform Friday prayers, nothing will work. In hotels on Friday, all staff work as on other days. Egypt has a prohibition law, so you can only buy alcohol in hotels or restaurants. Do not offer alcoholic drinks to Egyptians and do not appear drunk outside the hotel.

The Muslim faith determines the rhythm of life of the Egyptians. You can understand this by purely external signs: for example, five times a day the muezzin calls believers to prayer through a loudspeaker. And in the month of Ramadan, night becomes day. Muslims fast all day and break their fast only after sunset. At this time, public life comes to a standstill; government institutions are open only from 10.00 to 14.00. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating is prohibited from sunrise to sunset. Tourists visiting the country at this time are not recommended to consume any food or drinks (especially alcohol) on the streets. Failure to comply with this rule may result in detention by the police for disrespect for laws and traditions. The beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan may move from December to March. When planning your trip, we recommend checking the dates of Ramadan.

You should also not give Egyptians alcoholic drinks, sausages and other products, since Muslims do not drink alcohol or pork and this act, dictated by good intentions on your part, will be perceived incorrectly.

We advise you not to try, even jokingly, to talk to Egyptians about purchasing drugs. This crime is severely punished in Egypt (death penalty by hanging). And, in order not to incur suspicion, it is better to refrain from such conversations.

The expression "Egyptian time" (Egyptian time) has become a saying not only in Egypt, but also beyond its borders. Egyptians are late everywhere and always. Having made an appointment with an Egyptian for three hours, you can arrive at 4 and be the first, and at seven you will receive a call or a note apologizing for being late and asking to reschedule the date for tomorrow at the same time. Note. Don’t be offended: you will receive in response the phrase: “Egyptian Time!”

Often, as a result of a successful transaction, an Egyptian will be happy to shake your hands. Moreover, mainly in order to vouch for the lady. Russian ladies often willingly extend their hand, and then become indignant that the Egyptians are arrogant. The whole point is that first it is useful to know the customs of the country where you are going, then there will be no offense. So, in Egypt it is customary that if a woman allows herself to be touched, even if it’s by the hand, then everything else can also be touched, and it doesn’t matter that there is a man next to the lady.

The crime rate in the country is low. In big cities or busy places, you should only be wary of pickpockets, but they also often choose their compatriots as their victims, fearing to get involved with foreigners. In any case, if you consider your rights to be “violated,” you can safely contact a tourist police officer, who is obliged to provide you with assistance. It’s not difficult to find him in any tourist center, and you can recognize him by his armband with the inscription “tourist police.”

If there is one thing to fear in big cities, it is the completely unbridled behavior of local drivers. Here they completely ignore road markings, never use a turn signal, and using high beams in the evening and at night is considered an act that is simply indecent and causes a violent response from drivers of oncoming cars. Egyptians practically do not use rear-view and side-view mirrors, so your car can be cut off or slammed at any time. It is almost impossible to adapt to the driving logic of the Egyptians. We can say that there are no traffic rules, so not only drivers, but also pedestrians need to be extremely careful.

Egypt is a country with a mixture of a huge number of cultures. In every major city in Egypt you will find traditions that have remained since the times of the pharaohs, and in other parts of the country you will see traditions and customs that were brought by many invaders over the centuries. This contradiction and contrast of cultures between areas of Egypt, in comparison to other Middle Eastern countries, is what makes Egypt seem more progressive and advanced compared to its neighbors. Here you will find that Customs and mentality are usually aimed at a good-natured welcome for foreign tourists and guests of the country. I think this may be the key why Egypt is considered the most attractive country in the Middle East region for travelers. The simplicity and friendliness of the local population is immediately apparent: when you need help, or when they invite you into their homes without knowing you at all, or when they smile at you just because. All this makes a holiday in Egypt wonderful and unforgettable.

Egypt, as part of the Middle East, is one of the African countries, one of the Mediterranean countries, the heart of the Arab and Muslim world and the homeland of the Eastern Christian Orthodox world.
Customs and traditions inherited from ancient times in addition to the religious aspect determine the life and mentality of the Egyptians and are manifested in their daily lives. We will try to identify the roots of some of these traditions.

Family values

• The family is the most significant unit of Egyptian society
• Kinship plays an important role in all social relations
• Human behavior is always subject to the opinion of the family
• The family consists of both personal (husband, wife, children) and extended family (husband’s/wife’s relatives)

Egyptian honor

• Honor is an important aspect of interpersonal relationships
• Respect for people is both the right and responsibility of everyone
• A person's honor is inextricably linked with the reputation and honor of each member of their family
• Honor requires that Egyptians show hospitality to friends and guests.
• Showing due respect to elders and those in power
• Duty to keep your word. To turn away from what was promised means to bring dishonor to the family.

• Social class differences are very noticeable in Egypt, and they determine access to power and position in society.
• An Egyptian's social class dictates his daily life and the opportunities he has.
• There are three social classes: upper, middle and lower.
• Status is determined more by family foundation (having a large family) than by absolute wealth.

Table manners

• Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit.
• Eat only with your right hand. The left hand in Egypt is used when going to the restroom.
• Always give thanks for your meal.
• Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you finish eating. Otherwise, the owners of the house will continue to fill your plate again and again!

Communication etiquette

• The type of greeting is based on both the class and religion of the person.
• It is better to follow the example of the Egyptian with whom you are meeting.
• Handshakes are a common greeting among people of the same sex.
• Handshakes are somewhat lengthy, although they are always done with a hearty smile and direct eye contact.
• Closer acquaintances and friends, when meeting, usually kiss you on one cheek and then on the other, shaking hands, men with men and women with women.
• It is highly inadvisable for a Muslim woman to greet a man with a handshake. In any greeting between men and women, if the woman herself does not extend her hand to the man first, then he should limit himself to a verbal greeting or a nod of the head.

Clothing etiquette

• A conservative style of dress is encouraged. Think about your suit/outfit if you want to make a good impression.
• It is better for men to wear trousers or breeches no higher than the knee. Wearing a tank top on the street is considered vulgar.
• Men should avoid wearing visible jewelry, especially around the face and neck.
• Foreign women should be careful to cover themselves properly. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm. A Muslim woman is required to wear clothing that completely covers her body, with the exception of her face and hands.

If you are invited to an Egyptian's house:

• You should generally remove your shoes before entering.
• Dress well and conservatively. Appearance is very important to Egyptians.
• Thank the host of the house for the invitation.

• If you are invited to an Egyptian's home for dinner, bring chocolate, sweets or good quality pastries to the hostess.
• Do not give flowers, as they are usually given at a wedding or when visiting a sick person, unless you are sure that the owners will appreciate them.
• A small gift for children will endear the parents.
• Always give gifts with your right hand or with both hands if the gift is heavy.
• It is not customary to print a gift immediately upon receipt.

Have a pleasant, cultural and unforgettable time in Egypt!

When arriving in a foreign country, it is interesting to get acquainted not only with the local picturesque landscapes and historical sights, but also with national traditions.

Egypt is a country with interesting customs. The country has a long history of development. But already long lasting Islam influences the formation of Egypt's traditions. Its influence can only be appreciated by visiting Egypt: the muezzin's calls to prayer are heard here five times a day. Egypt is a country with very strong Muslim customs.

It is especially interesting to observe the life of Egyptians during the holy month of Ramadan. For believers, night turns into day, because during the day Muslims fast, and they can eat only after sunset. All state organs only work for a few hours. We can say that all life during Ramadan in Egypt it freezes for a month.

Unlike Muslims in other countries, Egyptians are quite patient with representatives of other religions. They will not impose their own rules of behavior. Of course, this is largely due to functioning in the country of resorts. Thus, European clothing does not shock local residents, alcohol is freely sold at resorts, and pork dishes are prepared in hotels. All this allows the Egyptians to attract many tourists from European countries.

A completely different situation is observed in traditional Egyptian families. The rules of behavior of their members are quite conservative, but the Egyptians zealously observe all traditions and customs. One of the strictest rules is the ban on communication between a man and a woman who are not married. The rules also state that a Muslim woman cannot walk on the street alone.

The Muslim traditions of modern Egypt have almost completely replaced the customs of Ancient Egypt. The tourist, of course, will pay attention to the national clothes of the Egyptians. Men here are accustomed to wearing loose white or blue shirts. Women wear a traditional hijab, decorated with a small amount of jewelry. Recently, some Egyptian women have been dressing in European clothes. This could mean that they work as lawyers, doctors or teachers.

Family occupies a central place in the life of Egyptians. Previously, several generations of Egyptians united into one large family. But recently, children have begun to separate from their parents, but the ties between family members still remain strong.

It should be noted that the traditions of Egypt are beginning to change under the influence of the European way of life.

Egypt has a rich history and culture dating back thousands of years, from the culture of the pharaohs to Christianity and Islam. Egypt became the birthplace of one of the first civilizations. Its culture has been influenced by many other ethnic groups that have either lived in or invaded the country.

The traditions of modern Egypt may seem a little different from those we are used to, which in turn can make tourists feel confused at times. To understand the atmosphere of Egypt, it is necessary to carefully study the culture, customs and family values ​​of the people inhabiting this country. If you learn to understand and respect other people's values, traveling to Egypt will bring you even more pleasure.

Egyptian traditions: believers and food

Most Muslims in Egypt do not drink alcohol. However, they don't mind when others drink. However, it is important that you drink alcohol in moderation in Egypt. Egyptian traditions do not involve eating pork, but for visitors there is always a restaurant or cafe that serves dishes made from this meat.

Note for women

In Egypt, there are several restrictions for visiting women. In the ticket line, foreign women stand in line with other women.

Direct interaction with is never recommended. It is always wise to talk to them through someone local or people you know well.

Crime

Egypt has a low crime rate, but domestic violence is common. From time to time there are petty thieves and pickpockets. Women should be on their guard, especially in areas far from the city center. Drug use is frowned upon, so taking or carrying drugs in public is not recommended to avoid problems with the law.

Warmth and hospitality

Egypt has amazing natural, historical and cultural attractions, so tourism here serves as one of the main sources of income. Egyptians are extremely friendly, open to other cultures and known for their hospitality, so don't be surprised if people invite you into their homes and insist that you accept the invitation.

Egyptians are generally friendly by nature and love to help people. If you ask them any question, they will answer it willingly. It is also interesting that whenever you ask an Egyptian a question, he will call other people to discuss it and will try to give you the most accurate and correct answer to the question asked.

Family

Traditions in Egypt are strictly followed when it comes to family matters. Family is very important to Egyptians, so they place special emphasis on family values ​​and relationships. Respect between family members leads to the fact that children most often live with their parents before starting their own family and having children. In general, parents encourage marriage and financially support their sons and daughters to get married. Egyptians love to hold large wedding celebrations where they invite all family members and friends.

Typically, responsibilities are distributed in such a way that women remain in charge of childcare, while men are responsible for financial support of the family.

Since family members are very attached to each other, they deeply mourn the death of a family member. It is common to wear only black for at least 40 days after the death of a family member, and they may grieve for up to a year. This is one of the traditions inherited from the great pharaohs. Traditions in Egypt are such that it is considered inappropriate to show any signs of happiness during a funeral.

Holidays

Egyptians love different celebrations. Close family members and friends always get together during holidays and special celebrations.

Because of the great love for food, the whole family usually prepares and sets the table; on such occasions, cooking together is common here. It seems that the culinary traditions of Ancient Egypt have been preserved here to this day. Women usually take pride in their ability to cook: they like to compete with each other to see who can cook the most delicious dish. Interestingly, restaurants are one of the most thriving businesses as Egyptians enjoy trying new cuisines and value delicious food.

How to respond if an Egyptian invites you to his home

Traditions in Egypt suggest that if you are invited to visit, you must first refuse. If the owner really wants you to visit his home, he will give you a second invitation. In this case, you should not refuse the invitation. If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to visit an Egyptian, be sure to promise that you will visit him next time. However, it is still better to accept the invitation, since otherwise there is a chance that your host will feel humiliated. Hospitality is one of the characteristic features of the Egyptians, so inviting guests is a national tradition in Egypt. Representatives of the people of this country are always pleased to show respect and look after their guests. If you want, you can even grab a few gifts for the host, but check if the gift matches his status.

Egypt: religion

Religion plays a big role in the lives of Egyptians, and it is mixed into the daily activities of Muslims and Christians living in Egypt. Mosques are located here and there, so when walking along the streets of Egyptian cities, you can hear the call to pray up to five times a day.

Although Egyptians use the Western calendar, they refer to the Islamic religious holiday calendar, and Ramadan is the most important month of the year. Ramadan is a holy month for Egyptians, which they celebrate with friends and relatives. During this month, Egyptians stay awake at night and spend time in prayer and spiritual activities. They also do charity work, reconnect, and share love and affection for each other. Despite this, the tourist season in Egypt continues even during the holy month.

Places of prayer

Places designated for prayer are considered sacred by Egyptians, and therefore tourists from abroad should respect such churches and mosques, of which there are a huge number in Egypt.

So, when a person enters the territory of a place where prayers are held, he should take off his shoes and cover his head. You should also wear modest clothing that covers most of your body. Interestingly, Friday in Egypt is considered the holy day of the week.

Tips

In Egypt, tipping is encouraged and often expected. You can offer tips not only to the waiters, but also to all the people who helped you during your trip. However, try to avoid large sums - Egyptians perceive this as an insult. Either way, tipping is a great way to make a good impression on the people around you. However, you should not offer tips to people of your status or professionals.

To summarize

If you want to read about Egypt, traditions and customs in a short summary, then the following can be said about this topic: Egypt's long history, tourist attractions and geographical location make it an ideal destination for business and tourism. But before you visit this country, it is important to understand the culture and traditions of this place.

Egypt is a truly unique country where the traditions and customs of Ancient Egypt are combined with the modern structure of society. Egypt has been through a lot: it has been the victim of many invaders in the past, and has recently suffered from economic and political problems. But Egyptians continue to love and enjoy their lives, despite all the difficulties and problems. Perhaps by visiting Egypt, you can learn the positive thinking that is so inherent in the local population.