Let me introduce you to one of Egypt’s oldest and most cherished national holidays: Sham El-Nessim. This vibrant spring festival beautifully weaves together ancient traditions and modern festivities. 

With its roots stretching back over 4,500 years, Sham El-Nessim holds a special allure for those fascinated by both ancient and modern Egypt. 

So, let’s explore what this holiday is, how we celebrate it, and why it remains a cornerstone of Egyptian culture.

Sham El-Nessim, which translates to “smelling the breeze” in Arabic, is Egypt’s national holiday that marks the arrival of spring. 

Celebrated on Orthodox Easter Monday (April 21, 2025, this year), it is a day when Egyptians of all backgrounds come together to welcome this lively season. 

The origins of Sham El-Nessim are deeply rooted in ancient Egypt, dating back to around 2700 BC during the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. 

The festival was originally known as Shemu in the ancient Egyptian language, meaning “the season of harvest.”

It marked the beginning of the agricultural harvest and was held around the time of the spring equinox which was determined by the alignment of the sun with the Great Sphinx of Giza.

The sun setting on the right shoulder of the Sphinx, marking Spring Equinox

During this festival, the ancient Egyptians would offer salted fish, lettuce, onions, and other seasonal foods to their deities, praying for a prosperous agricultural year ahead.

The seasonal rhythms of the Nile were central to their way of life, and Shemu marked a vital transition into the harvest season; one of the three main divisions of the ancient Egyptian calendar. (In a previous column, I explored Akhet, the flood season, which would follow Shemu in the annual cycle.)

As Egypt’s history unfolded through the Ptolemaic, Roman, and medieval eras, Sham El-Nessim evolved while retaining its core essence. 

With the spread of Christianity in the first century CE, the festival became associated with Coptic Easter, fixing its date to the Monday following Easter Sunday. 

Despite this Christian influence, the holiday remained non-religious, a quality that persisted even after the rise of Islam in Egypt. 

The name itself reflects this evolution:

From the ancient Egyptian "Shemu" (harvest season)—also “Shamo” (renewal of life)—to the Coptic “Tshom Ni Tshom” (garden meadows), and finally to the modern Arabic “Sham El-Nessim,” meaning “smelling the breeze.” 

Ancient Egyptians offering salted fish among other foods

Today, Sham El-Nessim is a vibrant celebration of family, food, and the great outdoors. 

Egyptians flock to parks, gardens, the banks of the Nile, zoos, beaches, and fairgrounds, transforming these spaces into lively hubs of activity. 

Picnics are the heart of the day, filled with music, games, and laughter. (Watch this video for a glimpse of those celebrations.)

Classic springtime songs like “El donya rabea” (it's springtime) by Soad Hosny and “Adi el rabea a'ad men tany” (spring has returned once again) by Farid al-Atrash fill the air, adding to the festive spirit.

Spring Festival Food

At the heart of the celebration is fesikh, a fermented, salted, and dried grey mullet fish, often prepared by specialists. However, not all Egyptians enjoy fesikh’s intense flavor and pungent aroma.

Many instead opt for renga, or smoked herring (a personal favorite), which has become a popular and more palatable alternative during the holiday.

Both fesikh and renga are typically enjoyed with Egyptian flatbread (eish baladi) and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out their flavors. They're often served alongside fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and scallions (or green onions) for a refreshing contrast.

Termis, or lupin beans, tossed with lemon juice and chili flakes, are also a beloved snack traditionally eaten on this day.

And of course, no Sham El-Nessim spread is complete without colored boiled eggs. Both children and adults enjoy the tradition of dyeing and decorating eggs as part of the celebration.

In ancient Egypt, however, the custom was a little different. Instead of coloring the eggs, people would write their wishes on them and hang them on trees or place them around their homes, hoping the gods would grant their desires.

Symbolism: A Celebration of Renewal

Every element of Sham El-Nessim is imbued with meaning. 

The act of “smelling the breeze” is both literal, enjoying the fresh spring air, and metaphorical, representing the shedding of the old and the embrace of the new. 

The traditional foods carry ancient symbolism: salted fish for prosperity, lettuce for hope and fertility, scallions for driving away evil spirits, and eggs for rebirth. 

These symbols connect modern Egyptians to their ancestors, who saw spring as a time of creation and renewal. And the festival’s non-religious nature allows it to resonate with all Egyptians, regardless of their belief or background. 

Sham El-Nessim isn't just a holiday, it’s a living tradition that has brought Egyptians together for over 4,500 years.

It’s a celebration of life, nature, and community that has transcended time, religions, and empires; reflecting the ancient Egyptians’ deep understanding of the natural world and its cycles.

Wherever you're reading this from, I hope this glimpse into Sham El-Nessim has sparked your curiosity about Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, both ancient and modern. 

May the spirit of spring bring you a sense of renewal and joy, just as it does the Egyptians.