Unique Ramadan Traditions Around The World

1. Egypt's Glowing Fanous Lanterns: Lighting Up the Spirit of Ramadan

In Egypt, Ramadan nights shimmer with the glow of fanous, colorful lanterns that illuminate streets, homes, and mosques. The famous tradition is believed to date back over a thousand years to the Fatimid dynasty, when lanterns were used to welcome a caliph during Ramadan. Since then, the lantern has become a cultural symbol of the holy month.

Children often carry small lanterns through neighborhoods, singing Ramadan songs, while shopkeepers decorate storefronts with intricate lanterns made from tin, glass, or modern LED lights. Families place lanterns in their living rooms and balconies, adding warmth and festivity to the spiritual month.

Beyond decoration, fans embody togetherness. Their light is a reminder of divine guidance during a month of reflection and prayer. Today, Cairo's lantern markets, especially in the El-Sayeda Zainab district, bustle with vendors selling hand-crafted pieces in every size and color. These lanterns, glowing deep into the night, connect modern Egypt to its rich Islamic heritage.