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Lesson Transcript

Hi, everybody! In this lesson, you'll learn some important phrases for Christmas in Egypt and some valuable cultural tips.
In Arabic, Christmas is called...
عيد الميلاد
[slowly] عيد الميلاد
The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7.
After a fast of 40 days, they start celebrations at midnight on Christmas Eve. Even secular families meet during this time. Decorating Christmas trees together is also very important.
On عيد الميلاد or "Christmas Day," Egyptians greet each other by saying عيد ميلاد مجيد.
(slow) عيد ميلاد مجيد.
It means "Merry Christmas!"
When you meet someone on Christmas day, be sure to greet them with this phrase.
Arabic people celebrate the holiday with their own special events and customs. The most popular food to eat on Christmas is...
فتّة‎‎
(slow) فتّة‎‎
It means "Fattah."
Egyptian Fattah is a meaty dish enjoyed at many feasts and on special occasions, including Christmas. It's made with softened flatbread, white rice, a garlic tomato sauce, and a huge amount of meat on top. After all, the meal is intended to break a long fast!
Let's wrap up this lesson by recapping what you've learned. Listen to the words and repeat after me.
"Christmas"
عيد الميلاد
* beep
عيد الميلاد
"Merry Christmas"
عيد ميلاد مجيد.
* beep
عيد ميلاد مجيد.
"Fattah"
فتّة‎‎
* beep
فتّة‎‎
Well done! [pause] Here's a fun fact! Why is Christmas celebrated on January 7 and not on December 25 in Egypt?
This is because of the calendar. The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church uses the Julian, or the "old," calendar. December 25th on the Julian calendar corresponds to January 7th on the Gregorian calendar.
You just learned about how Egyptians celebrate Christmas and some important facts about the holiday.
If you want to learn Arabic even faster, just click the link in the description and download tons of PDF lessons for FREE!
See you soon! al-salāmu ʿalaykum.

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