Egypt’s Unique Valentine’s Day Celebration

Egypt is set to‍ celebrate its own Valentine’s Day on November 4th, a unique tradition that sets it apart from the rest of the world. But what’s ‌the story behind this special day, and who came ⁣up with ⁤the idea?

The Origins of Egyptian Valentine’s Day

The concept of ⁤celebrating Valentine’s Day on November 4th in Egypt is attributed to the renowned‍ writer Mustafa Amin. In his column, “Akhbar al-Youm,” published‌ in⁣ the newspaper “Fekra,” Amin proposed dedicating⁣ November​ 4th to celebrate love in all​ its forms – love of God, ​country,‌ family, friends, neighbors, and humanity.

Amin‌ emphasized that love has the power to restore our values and virtues, as it is an inherent part of our nature. He believed that by spreading love⁣ and kindness, we can bring people together and foster a sense‍ of community.

The Significance of November 4th

So, why was November 4th chosen as​ the day​ to celebrate Egyptian Valentine’s‌ Day? According to Amin’s story, he witnessed a funeral‌ in the Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood on this day, where ⁤only three people were in attendance. This poignant scene inspired Amin to choose November 4th as a day to spread love and affection among the community.

Amin’s Daughter⁢ Confirms ​the Story

In a 2017 interview, Safia Mustafa Amin, the daughter of⁣ Mustafa Amin, confirmed the authenticity of her father’s story. She explained that her father ‍chose November 4th to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a way to promote love and kindness in society.

Egyptian⁣ Celebration

Today, Egyptians celebrate Valentine’s Day twice a year, on November 4th and February 14th. On these days, ​people come together to exchange gifts, flowers, and sweets, and to congratulate each ⁤other on this joyous occasion.