The lantern

The lanterns in Egypt have a great history from long time over eight hundred years when the Egyptians came to welcome with new Caliph at the night during Ramadan where they carried the lanterns to light the way. Since this time the lanterns became aspect of the joy related to Ramadan or holy month. Through all these years this importance of lanterns which became related to Ramadan created new craft linked lanterns manufacturing and the introduction of new amendments to the course of this history. But in the last twenty years I watched many changes occurred for traditional lantern but unfortunately for the worst.

Many families still keep with traditional lanterns within their house to remember their heritage and the old stories about these lanterns.

 I remember the first lantern to me. The lantern was the famous sign for Ramadan and you can see that in Egypt where every child has lantern till now but the shape of these lantern changed from time to another time. The lanterns in Egypt have story from over eight hundred year when the Egyptians came out during the night to receive the Caliph when coming to Egypt. The Egyptians came out with their lanterns and this happened in Ramadan. From this time the lantern became related to Ramadan in every year. I was very young when I had the first lantern which its shape was square shape of stained glass and we were put inside it a small candle to light the lantern and the glass reflect its color to give me a moment of joy and happiness . After breaking the Ramadan we gather all the kids and all the lanterns light up and walking in the road to sing traditional songs about Ramadan. We were knocking on doors in order to sing for the people of the house, and we call them well and the pond in order to give us a little money or sweets. When we finish that are going to buy with the money, candy or donate them to the mosque even give it to the poor because we are in the month of goodness and love.