Enjoying Egypt 213not based on the actual sighting of the moon, which marks
the start and end of the month of Ramadan.
The Coptic Calendar
The Coptic calendar is based on a solar cycle and consists
of 12 months of 30 days and one month of five days. The
first day of the Coptic year (month of Toot) begins on 11 or
12 September each year. Several Coptic Christian holidays
are observed by the population. These are:
Epiphany (celebrating the baptism of Jesus on 19 January)
Annunciation (on 23 March)
Easter (celebrated on different dates each year and
preceded by 55 days of fasting)
Ramadan
Ramadan is a particularly important month in any Muslim
country. Egypt is no exception. During Ramadan, many shifts
occur in daily schedules due to the requirement to fast during
this month. Instead of staying open all day, many businesses
and shops shorten daytime working hours. In fact, during
the month of Ramadan, things essentially shut down during
the day throughout Egypt.
Egyptians do not starve themselves during Ramadan.
Basically, the fast simply requires a shifting of schedule
from primary activity during daylight to night-time activity.
Each day, the fast is broken by a large meal served shortly
after sunset. During Ramadan, Egyptians who observe
the fast arise before sunrise. It is customary to consume
a fairly large meal before the daily fast begins. As a result
of eating pattern shifts, activity patterns also shift during
Ramadan. Egyptians, always prone to night-time activity,
increase their nightly activity significantly during this period.
Nights are used for visiting, shopping and some business
activities. Ramadan is followed by the Eid of el-Fitr, a multi-
day celebration during which families gather for feasting
and prayer.
During summer months, activity also picks up significantly
during the evenings. Postponing activity until night avoids
the worst heat of the day, but does not necessarily involve