Egypt is a country that never fails to fascinate visitors with its wealth of ancient history and cultural traditions. While many of these customs are widely known and celebrated by people all over the world, there remain a handful of unusual customs that might surprise those unfamiliar with the country’s traditions.
One of the most bizarre customs in Egypt is that of bride kidnapping. This is a practice in which a groom-to-be and his friends “kidnap” the bride from her home and take her to the groom’s house, where she is kept until the wedding day. While this practice is illegal, it is still carried out in some parts of the country, and is seen as a way of demonstrating the groom’s commitment to his future wife.
Another bizarre custom that is still practiced in Egypt is that of female genital mutilation. This is a painful and traumatic practice that involves the removal of part of a girl’s genitalia, usually between the ages of four and 14. While the practice has been illegal in Egypt since 2008, it is still widely carried out in some rural areas as a way of ensuring that girls remain “pure” and fit for marriage.
Egypt also has a tradition known as “moulid,” which is a religious festival that takes place in honor of a particular saint. During the festival, people gather to sing, dance, and eat traditional food, and there are often performers or street vendors selling souvenirs or snacks. While this tradition is widely celebrated throughout the country, some people consider it to be outdated or unnecessary.
Another unusual tradition in Egypt is the practice of “siwaak,” which involves using a particular type of twig to clean one’s teeth. This practice is considered to be a form of dental hygiene, and is still widely carried out in some parts of the country.
All in all, Egypt is a country with a wealth of cultural traditions, some of which might be considered bizarre or unusual by outsiders. While these customs may not be universally accepted or understood, they remain an integral part of Egypt’s heritage and identity, and offer visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s rich and complex history.
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