To walk into the holiness, poverty, and simplicity of Infant Jesus, who was born in a meadow Christians fast 25 days. Through this fast, the faithful are received the God in the heart through small sacrifices and pious deeds. But have you ever heard of a Christian community fasting 43 days before Christmas instead of 25? If not, there is a community that observes such a fast. This long Lent is celebrated before Christmas among the Coptic Christians in Egypt.
In ancient Egypt, the majority were Christians. Today they are a minority. Most of them belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. They traditionally celebrate the birth of Christ in fellowship and joy and celebrate Christmas, not on December 25th. They celebrate Christmas on 6 January.
Usually, they fast for 43 days before Christmas. It is also known as Holy Nativity Fast. For in those days they shall eat nothing from animals. They also give up milk and eggs. But the sick and the elderly are not compelled to take this fast. In the beginning, it was 40 days of fasting. Later, in 1602, three more days were added.
Prayers and other activities usually begin at 10:30 a.m. on Christmas Day. It is almost night when these ceremonies are over; Sometimes it lasts until four in the morning. After the services and rituals, at church, everyone goes home. There will be a festive Christmas party. This is how the Egyptian Coptic Christians prepare and celebrate the birth of Jesus.