How was the new year in Egypt named?

Holidays & Special Events

By Kristy Tolley

The Naming of the Egyptian New Year

The Egyptian New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years, with an evolving name that reflects the country’s rich history and cultural influences. The name of the New Year is rooted in ancient Egyptian mythology, and has been influenced by Christianity, Islam, French and British colonialism, and the country’s political changes in the 20th century.

Ancient Egypt: The Origins of the New Year’s Name

The ancient Egyptians celebrated the New Year in the summer, with the annual flooding of the Nile River marking the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The New Year was known as Wep Renpet, which means "opening of the year". The Egyptians believed that the god Osiris, the lord of the afterlife, was reborn during this time, symbolizing the renewal of life and the cycle of death and rebirth.

The Coptic Calendar: A Christian Influence

With the spread of Christianity in Egypt, the Coptic calendar was introduced in the 4th century AD. The Coptic New Year, known as Nayrouz, falls on September 11th and is celebrated as a national holiday. The name Nayrouz is derived from the Coptic word for "the rivers", and symbolizes the Nile’s annual flood which once again marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

Islamic Egypt: The Hijri Calendar and the New Year

With the arrival of Islam in Egypt in the 7th century, the Hijri calendar was introduced and the Islamic New Year was celebrated. The Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the lunar Islamic calendar. The name of the Islamic New Year, Hijri, is derived from the Arabic word for migration, commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.

The French Influence: The Republican Calendar

In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt and introduced the Republican calendar, which was used in France at the time. This calendar marked the beginning of the year with the autumnal equinox, and divided the year into 12 months with three weeks each. The names of the months were based on the natural world, such as Thermidor (hot season) and Brumaire (foggy season). The Republican calendar was abandoned in Egypt after Napoleon’s defeat in 1801.

The British Influence: The Adoption of the Gregorian Calendar

In 1875, Egypt adopted the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world today. The Gregorian New Year is celebrated on January 1st, and the name of the New Year remained unchanged.

The Revolution: The New Year’s Name Change in 1952

In 1952, a group of military officers led a revolution that overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. As part of their efforts to erase the symbols of the monarchy, they renamed the New Year’s holiday from "Wep Renpet" to "Ra’s al-Sana". Ra’s al-Sana means "the head of the year" in Arabic, and reflects the Islamic influence on the country.

The Return to Tradition: The Reversal in 1956

In 1956, the government reversed the decision to change the name of the New Year and reinstated the ancient name of "Wep Renpet". This decision was made to emphasize the importance of Egypt’s ancient heritage and to promote a sense of national identity.

The Modern Era: The Current Name of the Egyptian New Year

Today, the New Year in Egypt is still celebrated as "Wep Renpet" and falls on August 29th. The holiday is marked with fireworks, family gatherings, and feasts.

The Significance of the New Year’s Name in Egyptian Culture

The name of the New Year in Egypt reflects the country’s ancient history and cultural influences. It is a symbol of the country’s identity and heritage, and is celebrated with pride and reverence.

Conclusion: A Rich History Behind the Name of the Egyptian New Year

The name of the Egyptian New Year has evolved over thousands of years, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural and religious influences. Despite changes in political regime and colonialism, the name of the New Year has remained an important symbol of the country’s heritage and national identity.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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