Egyptian Customs and Festivals

Samia Abdennour, once an outsider from Palestine, now thoroughly at home in Egypt, is here to tell you all about these matters-- and many more. In a book that aims to introduce the unfamiliar newcomer or interested foreign reader to the hows, whats, and whys of Egyptians life, the author covers such
diverse topics as birth, marriage, and death; religious festivals and fasting; food in the home and on the street; business etiquette and terms of politeness. She describes how some traditions differ between the two religious communities, the Muslims and the Copts, and how some customs are shared by
all Egyptians-- like the spring festival of Shamm al-Nisim ('smelling the breezes') that goes back to pharaonic times.

With Egyptian Customs and Festivals, you need never be at a loss in a social situation in Egypt-- or fail to understand what your neighbors are up to. Illustrated throughout with color photographs of daily life and special occasions, this fascinating and informative book is a must-have for anyone new
to Egyptian culture.