Fanous

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Traditional Egyptian fanous lanterns in Cairo, Egypt, celebrating Ramadan

Fanous or Fanoos (

Arabic: فانوس رمضان),[1] is an Egyptian folk and traditional lantern used to decorate streets and homes in the month of Ramadan. With their origins in Egypt, they have since spread across the Muslim world and are a common symbol associated with the holy month.[2][3]

Etymology

The word "Fanous" (also spelled Fanos, Phanous and Fanoos) is a term originating from Greek φανός, phanós. It means 'light' or 'lantern'. It was historically used in its meaning of "the light of the world," and is a symbol of hope, as in "light in the darkness".

History

Old Fanous Ramadan from Egypt

The traditional use of fanous as decorations associated with Ramadan comes from Medieval Egypt,

Muslim countries.[5][3][6]

Fanous
Fanous

In Ancient times it was similar to a lamp, and would have incorporated either candles or oil. The fanous originally developed from the torches used in the

Ancient Egyptians celebrated the birthdays of Osiris, Horus, Isis, Seth and Nephtys—one on each day—by lighting the streets with the fanous (torches).[1] Torches or candles were also used in early Christianity. This is recorded by Egyptian historian Al-Maqrizi (1364 - 1442), who noted in his book, "Al Mawaiz wa al-'i'tibar bi dhikr al-khitat wa al-'athar", that these torches or candles were used at Christmastime for celebration.[3]

Use

Fanous is widely used all over the world – especially in Asian regions and the Arab world – not just for a specific religion purposes, but for names of people or decorative purposes. They can be found in houses, restaurants, hotels, malls, etc. Often arranged as a grouping of lights arranged in different designs and shapes. Metal and glass are mostly used for their construction.

References

  1. ^
    Al-Ahram Weekly Online
  2. ^ "فانوس رمضان.. قصة بدأت فى "المحروسة".. استقبل به المصريون الخليفة المعز لدين الله الفاطمى.. وارتبط بالشهر الكريم.. واشتهرت صناعته من النحاس المنقوش وصولا للنسخ المقلدة والصناعة الصينى". Youm7.
  3. ^ a b c "The history of the fanous, Cairo's traditional Ramadan lantern". The National. 2022-04-01. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
  4. ^ "The story behind Ramadan Lantern", DNE, 8 May 2018, retrieved 23 March 2023
  5. ^ "فانوس رمضان.. قصة بدأت فى "المحروسة".. استقبل به المصريون الخليفة المعز لدين الله الفاطمى.. وارتبط بالشهر الكريم.. واشتهرت صناعته من النحاس المنقوش وصولا للنسخ المقلدة والصناعة الصينى". Youm7.
  6. ^ "Folk: The Ramadan lantern - Street Smart - Folk". Ahram Online. Retrieved 2022-04-03.
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