While the rest of the Christian world has recently celebrated Christmas, Jan. 7 is the day Coptic Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Orthodox calendar.
It’s marked in Egypt
Over 10 million Christians reside in Egypt, which makes up 10 percent of the country’s entire population. Most of them are Orthodox Copts, the largest Christian population in the Middle East.
Jan. 7 is the day
Unlike Dec. 25, Coptic Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Jan. 7, following the Coptic calendar. This is the same for other Orthodox Christians in places like Russia and Serbia.
Baba Noel is Santa
Children patiently wait for Baba Noel (Father Christmas), the Copts’ own version of Santa Claus. Stories have it that Baba Noel finds his way through windows and leaves some gifts, often in exchange of an Egyptian treat called “Kahk.”
There is fasting…
In the run-up to Christmas day, Coptic Christians fast for 43 days, avoiding food products that come from animals. The fasting period starts Nov. 25 and lasts until the day before Christmas.
… and singing
The month before Christmas is called Kiahk, the fourth month in the Coptic calendar where Copts sing special songs of praise or “Kiahk tunes” on Saturday evenings. The month plays a significant role in Copts’ preparation for Christmas.
… and feasting
After the Christmas service on the eve of Jan. 7, Copts break their fast with a feast of meat. A favorite Coptic dish during Christmas is called “fatta,” which consists of rice, bread, and boiled lamb or beef.
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