When you think of Ramadan, it conjures visions of young children running around and singing old Ramadan songs in the crowded streets of Cairo holding colorful lanterns alongside dried fruit carts. Discover the rich symbolism of lanterns during Ramadan in this enlightening article. Explore how these glowing beacons represent hope, unity, and spiritual reflection, illuminating homes and streets across cultures. Fanous or Fanoos (Egyptian Arabic: فانوس IPA: [fæˈnuːs], pl. فوانيس [fæwæˈniːs]), also widely known as Fanous Ramadan (Arabic: فانوس رمضان), [1] is an Egyptian folk and traditional lantern used to decorate streets and homes in the month of Ramadan. Fanous, also known as Ramadan lanterns, are a charming symbol of Ramadan, adding to the vibrant ambiance of the holy month. From traditional designs to modern interpretations, Fanous can be found in homes, streets, and public spaces, illuminating the darkness with their warm glow. The Ramadan lantern, also known as “Fanoos Ramadan,” is a significant symbol of the holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. With its mesmerizing designs and patterns, the Fanoos Ramadan has been an integral part of the holy month and is widely used across the Muslim world. Lantern means lamp and is called Fanoos in Arabic. But the question here is about the origin of the lantern, which was used by people as a special means of lighting especially when going to When you look to common symbols for all those celebrating Ramadan, some images are coming up; lanterns, prayer rug, dates, moon, five-pointed star, Ramadan drummer, and mosques. What do lanterns symbolize in Ramadan? Along with the star and the crescent moon, lanterns are now a well-known representation of Ramadan. During this time, these lanterns dangle from stalls of merchants in the alleyways, illuminating the bazaars of Arab towns. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children’s hands and adorn homes or the entrances of buildings and stores. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month. The tradition of the colorful lanterns is coupled with the song, which children sing as they process through the streets of Egyptian, and especially Cairene neighborhoods announcing the coming of Ramadan, and collecting coins and sweets. Ramadan lanterns (fanous) on display at a shop in Manshia district, Alexandria. (Photo by Sarah Gamal) Ahmed El-Sayed, one of the makers of Ramadan lanterns in Alexandria, says that he started work about six months ago and manufactures “Khayamiya” lanterns using iron and fabric special for Ramadan. Commonly used Ramadan themes are ramadan lamp/ ramadan lantern, half moon, stars, Ramadan wishes in english or arabic language etc. Adorn your homes, streets, or the entire city with Ramadan light decorations in any color, pattern, or size you wish. Significance of the Ramadan lantern It is believed this tradition was started in Egypt more than a thousand years ago when lanterns were used by people to light their homes and the streets at night. One evening in 969 AD (358 Hijrah), on the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah came to Egypt. The use of the lantern as a decorative symbol during the holy month can be traced back to the Fatimid conquest. Cairo's traditional Ramadan lantern. As Ramadan approaches, you can see the streets of Muslim communities light up and adorned with colorful Ramadan lanterns. Also called Fanous, which originated from the Greek word “phanós” and was adopted into the Egyptian Arabic word “fanoos”, meaning light or lantern. Fanous lanterns have become an important symbol of Ramadan for About this item . 🎁 RAMADAN LANTERN SET OF 2: This Ramadan Decorations lights includes 2 (8x3.2") Ramadan Lanterns with Islamic motifs and Ramadan Kareem printed on Ramadan lantern glass sides. Crescent moons and stars are common Ramadan symbols that are incorporated into paper lantern templates. Colors with religious significance like green, gold, or white can also color the lanterns. Crafting customized Ramadan paper lanterns is a great activity to engage children in the spirit of the holidays. The Ramadan lantern—also called a fanoos—is a bright, colorful hanging lamp seen throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which follows the moon, and so it begins on a different date every year on the Gregorian calendar, which follows the sun. Ramadan Lantern by YehiaJammoul There are two versions of this Lantern: Outdoor version (Requires PETG filament and spray paint) Indoor version (Regular PLA, scaled A vendor hangs Ramadan lanterns (or Fanoos Ramadan) that are displayed for sale at a shop ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Cairo. Credit: Mohamed AbdelGhany/Reuters. In spite of the tradition being seasonal, the fanoos industry is active all year long, even in our modern times.
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