Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote RAMADAN LANTERN: THE FANOUS
RAMADAN LANTERN:THE FANOUS
Marisa Lopez
Today, we are going to talk about a very Egyptian Ramadan tradition, the FANOUS, from its origin to as we know it today.
Although the FANOUS – Arabic for lantern – are currently used as a decorative item or a toy for children to enjoy during the holy month, a journey back in time shows that their journey began quite differently.
Despite its common use in modern Arabic, the word fanous originates from the Greek word φανός – pronounced almost similarly – which means lantern, or a means of illumination, whether portable or fixed.
The first reviews on the origin of the FANOUS may differ, but all point to Cairo as the birthplace of the FANOUS as we know it today.
The story begins just over a thousand years ago, on the 5th of Ramadan of the Hijri (lunar) year 358 (969 AD), when the Cairots awaited the arrival of al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimy during darkness. . To ensure an illuminated entrance for the Caliph, Gawhar al-Siqilli, the military commander and viceroy at the time, ordered the city’s residents to light the way by holding candles along the way. To avoid extinguished candles, the townspeople placed their candles on wooden bases and closed them with palm and light skin. As the caliph walked through the city, he admired the design and from there the FANOUS became a symbol.
Another account tells that the families of Cairo used to accompany the Caliph throughout his journey through the city passing through the ancient gates of Cairo, Bab el-Nasr, Bab el-Fetouh and Bab el-Dahab on his way to the Mokattam hill for the sighting of the moon in Ramadan, announcing the beginning of the holy month. Along the route, children happily held the FANOUS and sang in welcome and celebration of Ramadan.
Although the early stories of the FANOUS may not be surprisingly strange, others associated with the FANOUS are quite unusual.
In the 10th century AD, the Caliph el-Hakim bi-Amr Allah forbade women from leaving their homes for the entire year. The only exception was during Ramadan when women were allowed to attend prayer outside their homes and visit relatives and neighbors. But that exception was made as a condition that women had to be accompanied by children who carried the FANOUS to illuminate their path and notify men that a woman is walking.
Furthermore, Caliph el-Hakim bi-Amr Allah approved an order for lanterns to be installed in every alley and in front of every shop and home. Whoever disobeyed was fined. Under such strict orders, the FANOUS industry in Cairo flourished remarkably
During Fatimid times, celebrations and holidays were of notable importance to the Egyptians, this is the reason why they invested a lot of time and effort in preparing for them. Consequently, the FANUS industry began to change from a utility for lighting houses, mosques and shops to a decorative item used during Ramadan.
In addition, it was spread as a tradition for children to walk along the roads and alleys with their FANOUS and singing happy songs while asking for gifts and sweets.
At night, the mesaharaty, a person whose job it is to wake people up for Suhoor before sunrise in Ramadan, would also gather the children around them as they happily chanted through the neighborhood, carrying the fanuos.
Over time, more traditions emerged that linked the FANOUS with Ramadan, resulting in a deeply rooted bond in Egyptian traditions.
Little by little, the Egyptian FANOUS began to reach neighboring countries until it became a Ramadan tradition in many of them, especially in Damascus, Aleppo, Jerusalem, Gaza and others.
Although the tradition is seasonal, the FANOUS industry is active throughout the year, even in our modern times. Throughout the year, industry innovators work to create and craft new designs. They are then stored until shortly before Ramadan, when they become available for sale.
As the original birthplace of the FANOUS, Cairo continues to maintain its pivotal role in the industry. The center of today’s FANOUS industry is considered to be Taht ElRab “, an area near al-Azhar. There, you can find some of the largest FANOUS workshops that have been passed down from one generation to another.
About the Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote is an event planner and mother of 5, living in Cairo and Muslim since 1985, alhamdullah. She loves travelling and cooking.
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