Twinkle, twinkle chandelier

Lights, lights, everywhere

Egyptians are very poetic and grand in their compliments. One thing that becomes apparent, if you listen, is that Egyptians value and appreciate light, both in speech and in their homes!
Some of the often used compliments here in Egypt are:
• You are the light of Alexandria
• Now you are back, you have made Egypt full of light
• It was dark, but now it is light because of you.
• Your light is brighter than electricity: you bring light to my home

Lights in the villages

Before there was electricity in the villages (and even today in a few scattered homes), kerosene lamps brought light into the homes at night. Children would gather on the mat with their homework and mothers would place the lit kerosene lamp in the middle of the mat. Each child could see their notebook in the flickering flames. The smell and sound of the kerosene lamp, and the soft lighting still evoke many memories of a hard but happy life as a child in the villages of Egypt.
After these kerosene lamps, came the first generators. They were noisy and smelly, and nobody wanted to be the child chosen to run and switch off the generator, plunging the home and farm into darkness! Finally, as the electricity pylons, wires and cables marched their way into the villages there was great celebration, excitement and awe. One by one, electric light entered the homes at the flip of a switch!

Lights in the mosques

In most mosques you will see lights, hanging from the beams, ceilings or on the walls. Some are very ornate, large chandelier type. Others are more simple, ceramic but nonetheless beautiful. For morning and evening prayers, when it is dark, the mosques emit welcoming light to all those who seek to enter.

Lights in the homes

Egyptians generally like LOTS of lights in their home. They seem to put in as many as they can into one room, and then add a standing lamp! When asked, they cannot explain why: ‘It’s just how it is! A well-lit home is like happiness!’ There are 2 main fashions when it comes to lighting your home, but one thing is the same in both: more is better. Even if you bump your head on the chandelier, it does not matter! The more lights, the merrier. You can never have enough lights!!!

• Classic
This look usually has a chandelier in the middle of the room: big, ornate, fancy and expensive! Chandeliers have been in fashion here since the early 1900’s. Traditionally made of copper, now cheaper metals. If you need to go inexpensive, there is plastic (which is supposed to look like metal!)
On the walls then, will be added wall lamps, spot lights, or fluorescent tube lighting. Add a few lamps on the side tables and that will be a standard room. But then again, what about a standing lamp as well?

• Modern
The modern look is what they call the American style: more subtle and peaceful. Hidden wall lamps and spots, lamps on lovely small tables, and mood lighting. This can include a Disco ball light in the middle of your lounge, which can change colour at the touch of a button.
Light fittings and fixtures are one of the most important things on the list of a new home owner. The selection available at light shops is completely overwhelming in size, color, range and quantity.

Light on your head

This is said to take place at the Henna evening of the bride. This usually happens a day or 2 before the wedding, when she has henna artwork painted on her hands and feet, and celebrates with a group of her female friends and family members. There will be some dancing with lit candles on your head, in a layered, ornate style, rather like a chandelier on your head, but with lit candles on each tier!

So whenever you enter a home here, take note of the lights, listen to the compliments, and revel in the warmth and happiness emitting from the wide variety of lights in the life of an Egyptian!