Brass lanterns still a favorite during Ramadan

CAIRO – 21 March 2022: Brass lanterns, traditionally associated with Ramadan, are still the best sellers in Egypt as the holy month approaches, as it has a long life especially when maintained at a workshop yearly.

Prices begin from L.E. 100 for the medium size to L.E. 1,000 for the big size, which is usually placed at the entrance of shops or villas.

 

The brass of the lantern, known is Egypt as fanous, is usually painted in gold, but can repainted with different colors every year. The lighting can also be changed, making the brass lantern the most versatile and economical.

However, people also ask for handmade wooden lanterns, whose prices range from L.E.25-200. Children especially love wooden lanterns because it is inexpensive and low maintenance. Their sales have overcome imported Chinese lanterns, which at one point flooded the Egyptian markets for introducing Ramadan songs and flashy lights.

 

Cairo is famous among Arab and Muslim cities as one of the best destinations for observing an authentic Ramadan experience. In Egypt, the spiritual and religious aspects of the Islamic holy month are combined with entertaining activities and cultural traditions.

One of these unique traditions is Ramadan lanterns, known as fawanees, which have always been very special in Egyptian history. They come in various shapes, light bulbs and colors.

 

The tradition of decorating homes and neighborhoods with fawanees during Ramadan has passed from generation to generation.

For many Egyptians, Ramadan is not complete without the image of children happily playing with their fawanees in the streets, singing the Egyptian Arabic poem composed by Ahmed Sherif, "Wahawi ya Wahawi." 

The very first lantern hundreds of years ago was probably made of tinplate with a candle inside. It has evovled to be made of brass, other metals, wood, glass, and other materials covered with fabric with colorful Islamic designs.