Holiday brings hope of renewal

Celebration unites country a week after twin terror bombings

CAIRO - Millions of Egyptians celebrated a national holiday marking the beginning of spring in an attempt to overcome national grief after recent deadly church attacks.

Early on Tuesday morning, Muslims and Christians across the country flocked to public parks, beaches, zoos, outdoors greeneries and Nile cruises amid tight security imposed after the Palm Sunday twin bombings.

All Egyptians, regardless of religion, beliefs or social class, have been marking Sham el-Nessim, which literally means "smelling the breeze", since 2700 BC, with traditional seafood and picnics in parks.

People play football at a public garden during Sham el-Nessim in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday. The holiday signifies the arrival of spring and has been celebrated since the days of the Pharaohs. Amr Nabil / Associated Press

The public holiday always falls on the day after the Easter Sunday in the Coptic Christian Calendar.

This year's celebrations, however, came a week after suicide attacks at two churches in the Delta province of Gharbiya and Alexandria province in northern Egypt, which killed at least 45 and injured 120.

"The nature of the Egyptian people is to love and enjoy the life, no matter what happens," said taxi driver Moustafa Ahmad as he enjoyed the holiday meal with his family in Cairo's Azhar Park.

"In Egypt, this is the day when Muslims and Christians celebrate together. We experienced so many troubles, sorrow over the people we lost in the attacks. We will pass it together," Ahmad added.

"Sham el-Nessim is a restart for our life, and the terrorist attacks wouldn't frustrate its joy."

The holiday's name is derived from Shamo, the harvest season for ancient Egyptians.

The foods consumed then are still eaten today.

Packing a bag of colored eggs, fesikh (pickled mullet fish) and green onions, Hoda Adel, a housewife, was spreading a picnic blanket under a tree to avoid the strong sunlight.

"Sham el-Nessim is a special occasion where I can see my relatives and friends enjoy, eat and breathe clean air," Adel said.

"My Coptic friend will come soon with her family, so we can share the food together. Nothing would affect Egyptians' high spirits.

"You can smell the salted fish everywhere. The day with its traditions is part of Egypt's identity."

The Giza Zoo, which opens to the public for free, received 83,000 visitors on the day.

Along the Nile Corniche, there was an increased police presence, with officers doing security checks.

"I feel secure, police are everywhere eying the violations," said Amal Waheeb, a 52-year-old teacher while standing in a long line for a cruise with her daughters.

Sayed Abdel Galel, who works for a clothing shop, also said the day brings back happy memories as people were celebrating the beginning of spring and enjoying the gathering of friends and relatives.

"It is part of our memories and upbringing that dates back to our ancestors, and I want to deepen old traditional festivals in my kids' minds," he said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 04/19/2017 page19)