Discovering Origin of 'Fanos', Ramadan Lantern

Egyptians are fond of hanging 'Fanos', Ramadan lantern, in streets, alleys and at homes during the month of Ramadan. but what about its origin?

Talking about the lantern, Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Inspector Dr: Marwa Attia said that the 'Fanos' is one of the folkloric and popular traditions in Egypt during the holy month. It was originally used to lit-up streets."

Lantern in Arabic is 'Fanos' originating from the ancient Greek language. In some of the Semitic languages, 'Fanos' is called Finas. In his book called the Dictionary's Book, Al Fairouz Abady mentions that it was called 'Fanos' because it provides light to its owner in dark places. It first appeared as a glass lantern. In ordered to be protected from the air or against break, a lamp was placed inside the lantern and hanged on the wall or made portable.

Several stories surround its first appearance. An anecdote narrates that ancient Egyptians were the ones who first used it. It is said that when the Fatimid Caliph Al Moes Li Din Allah Al Fatmy entered Cairo on the fifth of Ramadan in 358 AH, arriving from Northwest Africa, Egyptians went out to receive him in a prestigious parade. To lit-up his way, they carried torches and colored lanterns. Since then, lanterns were used to lit-up streets until the end of Ramadan. Afterward, lanterns became a yearly tradition.

Another story tells that the Fatimid Caliph used to go out to the street on the night of sighting Ramadan's crescent. He was accompanied by children who carried lanterns to illuminate his way. They used to express their happiness and celebrate the Holy Month while singing.

A third anecdote suggests that women were only allowed to go out during Ramadan. In order to alert men that there was a woman walking, a boy used to move before her carrying a lantern.

From Egypt, the idea of the 'Fanos' then reached Damascus, Aleppo, Gaza, and Jerusalem thanks to the mutual social and commercial ties.