Christmas Around the World: A Look at 6 Countries' Traditions — From Festivities to Secrecy
1. Egypt
Coptic Christians in Egypt make up only a minority, around 10 percent of the population, but have longstanding Christmas traditions, such as the Feast of the Nativity.
The Copts observe the month of "Kiahk," starting from Nov. 25 through Jan. 6, where they fast and eat a vegan diet, not eating anything made from animals.
As Bishop Angaelos, general bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, explains, 40 of the 43 days of the Advent fast signify the period of time that Moses waited to receive the Word of God in the form of the Ten Commandments.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The other three days commemorate the number of days Egyptian Christians fasted for the miraculous moving of Muqattam mountain over 1,000 years ago.
Throughout the month of Kiahk, all liturgical and worship hymns lead up to the birth of Christ.
Like other Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, Christmas Day for Copts falls on Jan. 7, with believers going to church for a special liturgy on Coptic Christmas Eve, which is midnight on Jan. 6.
"Family and friends congregate around the Eucharist, the most tangible manifestation of our Lord's sacrifice to, and love for, mankind to fully appreciate and receive the Word Himself," Angaelos explains.
"The liturgical service is then followed by a fellowship meal where the faithful break their fast and continue to rejoice in the Nativity in a spirit of joy and love."
