Learn about the Flooding of the Nile Festival
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in Egypt Series at ArabicPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Egyptian holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 25, Flooding of the Nile Festival. In Egyptian Arabic, it’s called [ وفاء النيل (wafāʾ el-nīl)]. |
| The Flooding of the Nile Festival is an ancient feast dating back to the Pharaohs age, and Egyptians are still celebrating it. The date of the feast is related to the time of the flood of the Nile. It is usually held during the second half of August every year. |
| Let's talk more about the reasons behind the feast and the ways of celebrating it in Egypt. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know why the ancient Egyptians sanctified the Nile? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Wafāʾ el-nīl literally means that the Nile was faithful as it brought enough water during its flood, or [ فيضان (fayaḍān)] in Egypt. Throughout history, the Nile has played an important role in the life of Egyptians. For example, the first law, or [ قانون (qānūn)], for the protection of the Nile was issued during the reign of King Hor Moheb. The purpose of the law was to criminalize the pollution of the Nile. |
| Egyptians venerated the Nile, made it among their gods, and called it Hapi. They depicted the god Hapi as a moody god. When in a rage, he sends a high flood which will cause the crops to be drowned or a low level of flood which will lead to the lack of water and famine. This is why ancient Egyptians had to satisfy the god Hapi with oblations, gifts, and feasts to celebrate its fidelity. |
| During the Middle Ages, the sultans of Egypt continued to celebrate the Flooding of the Nile. For example, during the era of Mamluk Sultanate, the sultan's ship moved on that day, decorated with flowers and flags. Emirs would receive the ship at the Nilometer with artists playing on drums and pipes. This night was described as a spectacular and unforgettable night in Cairo. Recently, films about the Fidelity of the Nile and the brides of the Nile have been made, such as the film "Nile's Bride". Today, the celebration of this day includes Pharaonic shows on the Nile while the performers wear Pharaonic clothes and move on boats with an ancient Pharaonic theme. The show is accompanied by Pharaonic music and dances. |
| Anyone who polluted the Nile in ancient Egypt, especially during the reign of the great King Hor Moheb, was punished by breaking his nose, or [ أَنف (ʾanf)]. This is because at that time there was a prevailing belief that anyone who had a defect, or [ عيب (ʿeeb)], in his body wouldn't enter paradise. |
| And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz. |
| Do you know why the ancient Egyptians sanctified the Nile? |
| Ancient Egyptians sanctified the Nile because it was a source of life and good in Egypt. Ancient Egyptians symbolized the Nile with a god they called Hapi, a symbol of the Nile's fertility. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Is there any place in your country that is as sanctified as the Nile is in Egypt? |
| Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you next time! Bye! مع السلامة (maʿ el-salāmah)! |
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