6 Surprising Superstitions Behind Egypts Ghostly Feasts

In the land of ancient mysteries and age-old traditions, Egypt holds a treasure trove of unique cultural practices and beliefs, some of which delve into the realm of the supernatural. One such tradition that has piqued the curiosity of both locals and visitors alike is the series of ghostly feasts observed throughout the country. These feasts are not just celebrations but are steeped in superstitions that might surprise many. Let's explore six surprising superstitions behind Egypt's ghostly feasts.

The Feast of the Ghosts 🌌

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Egyptians, across time, have maintained traditions that honor their ancestors and the spirits, creating a bridge between the living and the dead. The 'Feast of the Ghosts' is a perfect example, held on the first day of the Coptic month of Baramhat (March), where it's believed that the dead come back to earth to partake in a feast.

Superstitions at the Feast:

• Avoiding Empty Seats: It's considered bad luck to leave any seat empty at these feasts. An empty seat might invite wandering spirits to sit, which could bring misfortune to the household or individual responsible for leaving it unattended.

• Three Knocks: If one hears three knocks during the feast, it's interpreted as a sign that an ancestor or spirit wishes to join the dinner. However, not all spirits are welcome, so families ensure they perform rituals to invite only the benevolent ones.

The Procession of the Souls 🕯️

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This procession occurs annually during the night of the Full Moon in May. Villagers believe that on this night, the souls of the deceased make their journey to visit their living relatives.

Superstitions During the Procession:

• Noticing Mirrors: Mirrors are covered to prevent spirits from being trapped within them. A reflection could accidentally detain a spirit, causing it distress and potentially leading to bad luck.

• Holding Hands: During the procession, it's considered protective to hold hands, creating a chain that spirits cannot break through, symbolizing unity and protection against any malevolent entities.

The Night of Wishes 🌠

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This feast occurs on the last Friday of Ramadan, a night when wishes are made and fortunes are told, but under very specific conditions.

Superstitions Surrounding Wishes:

• Salt Circles: Before making a wish, one must draw a small circle of salt on the ground. This circle is believed to act as a boundary, ensuring that the wish is not influenced by harmful spirits.

• Written Wishes: Wishes are often written down and sealed with wax, then left at ancient sites like the pyramids, where the spirits of the past are thought to have the power to grant them.

The Feast of the Healing Spirits 🌿

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Traditionally held in late January, this feast involves rituals where individuals can seek healing from spirits believed to have medicinal powers.

Healing Superstitions:

• Use of Herbs: Special herbs are used not just for their medical properties but also to call upon the spirits of ancient healers. Each herb has a superstition tied to it, like placing nettle under one's pillow to dream of cures.

• Not Looking Back: While walking away from a ritual site, one must not look back, as it's believed that doing so could sever the connection with the healing spirits, rendering the treatment ineffective.

The Festival of the Blue Turban 💙

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This unique festival held in Asyut involves wearing blue headgear, symbolizing protection against evil eye and bad spirits.

Superstitions During the Festival:

• Blue Turban: The wearing of the blue turban is not just for show; it's believed that the color blue has a calming effect on spirits, preventing them from causing mischief.

• Carrying Salt: Participants carry a small pouch of salt to ward off any negative energy or spirits they might encounter during the festival.

The Night of the Whispering Winds 🌬️

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A lesser-known feast where villagers sit in quiet, listening to the whispers of the wind, believed to carry messages from the spirit world.

Superstitions of the Whispering Winds:

• Avoiding Shiny Objects: Shiny objects are concealed because they might distract the spirits, causing them to lose focus and thus fail to convey their messages.

• Silence is Golden: The complete silence during this feast is maintained so that everyone can hear the whispers, which could provide wisdom or omens.

These superstitions are not only fascinating but also deeply woven into the fabric of Egyptian culture, reflecting a respect for the past and the unseen world. While some might view these practices as quaint or antiquated, for many Egyptians, they are essential parts of their heritage, providing comfort, protection, and a unique connection to their spiritual roots.

The rich tapestry of Egyptian culture, with its ghost feasts and supernatural superstitions, offers a glimpse into a world where the line between the living and the dead is blurred, and every action is imbued with meaning and intent. From the careful preparation of meals during the Feast of the Ghosts to the solemn processions under the moonlit sky, these traditions are a testament to Egypt's enduring respect for the spirits and the cycles of life and death.

The FAQ section below will address some common questions about Egypt's ghostly feasts, offering insight into these enigmatic practices.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the significance of the 'Feast of the Ghosts' in Egypt?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This feast allows families to honor their ancestors by providing them with a place at the table, ensuring their spirits are content and that they continue to watch over the living.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why do Egyptians cover mirrors during certain feasts?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Covering mirrors is a tradition meant to protect both the living and the spirits. It prevents spirits from getting trapped, which could cause them or the living distress.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can anyone attend the Festival of the Blue Turban?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the festival is open to all, although wearing the blue turban is a sign of respect to the tradition and the protective spirits it represents.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these ghost feasts a part of major Egyptian holidays?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Some align with important dates in the Coptic calendar or other religious observances, but many are unique to local folklore and are celebrated independently of major holidays.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What happens if someone breaks one of the superstitions during these feasts?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Breaking a superstition can potentially bring bad luck or anger spirits, but corrective rituals can often mitigate any supposed negative effects.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>