RAMADAN LANTERN: THE FANOUS

Author: Marisa Lopez Chicote

RAMADAN LANTERN: THE FANOUS

RAMADAN LANTERN:THE FANOUS 

Marisa Lopez

The photo is of my FANOUS  in my house

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.

30 thoughts on “RAMADAN LANTERN: THE FANOUS”

  2. 565275 517880It is difficult to acquire knowledgeable individuals about this topic, and you sound like what happens you are speaking about! Thanks 923952

  4. 208683 707661I undoubtedly didnt recognize that. Learnt some thing new nowadays! Thanks for that. 408284

  5. 93934 957707But wanna comment which you have a really good internet internet site , I adore the style and style it actually stands out. 751096

  8. Pingback: Bob Biswas Full Movie

  10. 689884 424590I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better? 294001

  12. 177188 139930Intriguing point of view. Im curious to believe what type of impact this would have globally? Sometimes people get a bit upset with global expansion. Ill be about soon to have a look at your response. 563785

  17. 466712 457823Following study several with the blog articles for your internet internet site now, and i also genuinely such as your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark internet site list and are checking back soon. Pls take a appear at my web page in addition and tell me what you believe. 460173

  18. 906026 27184I dont believe Ive seen all the angles of this topic the way youve pointed them out. Youre a true star, a rock star man. Youve got so a lot to say and know so significantly about the subject that I think you need to just teach a class about it 395483

  22. 947380 764966I dont agree with this specific article. However, I did researched in Google and Ive found out which you are correct and I had been thinking inside the incorrect way. Continue producing quality material similar to this. 586561

  23. 174922 715347As a result youll require ultra powerful online enterprise ideas to keep operating in finding into matters appropriate your incredible web-based function. MLM 299989

  26. 431641 675160I want to thank you for the outstanding post!! I surely liked every bit of it. Ive bookmarked your web web site so I can take a appear at the latest articles you post later on. 806026

  27. 727085 606672I will right away grasp your rss as I can not in locating your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do youve any? Kindly permit me realize so that I could subscribe. Thanks. 431387

  28. 191604 41723I truly appreciated this gorgeous weblog. Make positive you maintain up the very good function. Greatest Regards . 600298

  29. 110168 370015When do you think this Real Estate market will go back in a positive direction? Or is it still too early to tell? We are seeing lots of housing foreclosures in Altamonte Springs Florida. What about you? Would enjoy to get your feedback on this. 876395

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe To Our Newsletter