Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand

Explore Egypt's fascinating cultural tapestry through ten unique traditions only Egyptians understand. From symbolic gestures to culinary rituals and superstitions, delve into a world where everyday actions carry deep cultural significance.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Jun 19, 2021 Updated Nov 28, 2023 9 min read

Summary

Egyptians have a saying, "3zomet Marakbiya," akin to inviting someone to an experience they might not actually intend to pursue. It symbolizes hospitality but doesn't necessarily imply a genuine invitation, likening it to people in a boat in the sea, far from reality.
Entering a new place or starting a new phase of life involves stepping in with the right leg, symbolizing prosperity and confidence. This age-old practice reflects the Egyptian belief in the power of certain actions for a positive outcome.
Making a specific gasp while preparing Mulukhiya, a traditional dish, is believed to enhance its flavor. This tradition, passed down for centuries, showcases the unique cultural practices even in culinary arts.
Finishing a glass of juice when visiting an Egyptian home is essential, as not doing so might be seen as offensive, particularly concerning the marriage prospects of their daughters. This tradition sheds light on Egyptian superstitions rooted in everyday customs.
Egyptians hold beliefs about black crows and cats, associating them with bad luck and malevolent spirits, showcasing the prevalence of superstition in their culture and daily life.
Twitching eyes, spilling coffee, or even a turned slipper are seen as signs of foretelling events, whether good or bad. These everyday occurrences carry deeper symbolic meanings in Egyptian culture, reflecting their belief in omens.

Traditions only Egyptians can understand are key factors in planning vacations in Egypt. This article is written by the ETP team, which will provide every traveler with all the information and details needed to fully understand the unique traditions of the ancient Egyptians. There are so many traditions and customs that are closely attached to the history of Egypt. The traditions of Egypt are as old as time and are built on modesty, honesty, respect, loyalty, and hospitality, offering every new visitor a look in the mind of the Egyptian public, who are known to be very kind and helpful. It is one of the most unique countries in the world, and it has the greatest ancient attractions, which were inherited by the ancients.

In addition to this, there are lots of traditions that were shared between the Egyptians tens of years ago. The Egyptian experience across the lands of Egypt is very special as every traveler will enjoy the unique climate, shopping, food, festivals, and enchanting attractions. The culture of Egypt is very diverse. The Arabic language of Egypt is very rich with many meanings and values that will make time in Egypt even more precious. Some of those traditions are normal, and you can even find them in other countries, but others are really strange and hard to understand for other cultures, and that is why we have collected in our article some of the most unfamiliar traditions & beliefs in Egypt so that whenever you get the chance to come and visit the land of Pharaohs, you don’t get surprised while checking closely those unique traditions. There are traditions only Egyptians can understand:

1- 3zomet Marakbiya

3zomet Marakbiya - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

That expression is used when someone invites someone else to do something without insisting that he/she doesn’t really mean it. The word Marakbiya means the people in a boat in the middle of the sea, and they are definitely away from anyone else, so when someone is inviting another one to enjoy food, drink, or activity, it means that he doesn’t really mean since he won’t be able to apply what he offered.

The origin of the word Marakbiya comes from the word Markeb which means boat in English. It is treated as an unlikely invitation that may never be accepted because it is viewed as a form of courtesy. It is used by Egyptians all over the country as a common saying to express their good intention for offering the ultimate forms of hospitality to all guests.

2- Step-in With Your Right Leg

Step-in With Your Right Leg - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

This is a very old tradition for the Egyptians which requires anyone to step with his right leg whenever he/she is about to enter a new place or to start a new life, just like getting inside the house after getting married to spend a life full of prosperity, happiness, and blessings.

It is a common practice and tradition practiced by people across Egypt and even people in other countries. Many believe stepping into a new building will offer a sense of power and confidence. This tradition can be seen engraved in the culture of even ancient Egypt as seen across all the carvings, wall images, and statues. It is still used by Egyptians all across the country at the moment.

3- Shah’el El-Mulukhiya "The Mulykhiya Gasp"

Shah’el El-Mulukhiya - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

This is one of the strangest traditions in Egypt, and it is mainly for housewives. It is a gasp that should be made while preparing a dish of Mulukhiya to have a tasty dish. It requires the person to open his mouth and make a sound as if he/she were astonished. Even the Egyptian culinary arts have their own traditions when making Mulykhiya, garlic is added to the pot roasting before adding the Mulukhiya and the cook inhales the smell, which gives an insight into how it tastes.

Seeing this exotic traditional life in front of you will be a very enchanting sight to behold. It is very strange, we agree, but it has been a habit that has been inherited over the last centuries, and one generation after another teaches that movement to the other to have a perfect result.

4- Make Sure to Drink the Whole Glass of Juice

Make Sure to Drink the Whole Glass of Juice - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

If you are visiting any Egyptian at his/her home, just make sure to drink the whole glass of juice that is served to you especially if they have daughters as they do believe that if you don’t finish the whole of your glass of juice that is an offense to them and that their daughters won’t get married "we will never know what is the connection" but what to say, it is really strange and interesting.

This tradition explores the uniqueness of the Egyptian traditions as this one truly stands out and showcases that the Egyptians believe in a number of strange traditions that are totally based on superstition.

5- Stay Away From the Black Crow & Cat

TStay Away From the Black Crow & Cat - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal — Stay Away From the Black Crow & Cat - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

The Egyptians considered that a black crow brings very bad luck and they also believe that if a black crow stands over the roof of a house, it means that something bad is going to happen at that house and even someone may die. The same can be said regarding the black cat but what is stranger is that they believe that the black cat is a bad spirit that wanders on earth and they shouldn’t look at its eyes at all.

Superstation has always found its way across the culture and streets of Egypt, which explains how modern Egyptians believe in these traditions and how they believe in the powers of fate and its signs.

6- The Twitching Eyes

The Twitching Eyes - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

If you have experienced a twitching eye before, you will know that it is very irritating, but for the Egyptians, it is not just irritating. It means that something really bad is going to happen, especially if the twitching eye is the left one. Many believe it could be a simple eye disease allegory or involuntary reaction, but some also believe it could have some sort of supernational meaning.

There is no specific reason and purpose behind this strange tradition, which many Egyptians believe to be true. It is a bit weird that some Egyptians might take that into consideration that, to many travelers, it could be very cool and amazing to observe.

7- Having Baby Girls

Having Baby Girls - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

The majority of Egyptians prefer having girls as that means getting a much better livelihood, although others prefer having boys to get someone who holds your name and commemorates your family name. The birth of a girl in Egypt is a sign of good wealth and fortune that is yet to come.

Egyptian society also believes that having a boy is a much easier process as the boys will grow up to be dependent men who will carry the names of their family, business, and future, but girls are seen as precious gems that need to be protected and honored before founding their path in life.

8- Spilling Coffee

Spilling Coffee - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

Coffee is one of the most common Egyptian drinks, but if it happens and you accidentally spill your coffee, it means that something good is about to happen. This incident is seen as a sign of prosperity and joy that is to come, which can provide a very helpful and optimistic sensation.

This conception is highly common in all the households in Egypt and also the arab countries. This weird quirk carries a lot of meaning as a belief of realizing the good from the bad, which is a positive way to look at and continue with life.

9- Beware of the Turned Slipper

Beware of the Turned Slipper - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

What makes Egyptian society unique is its marvelous traditions which affect every single aspect even when it comes to the simple slippers. The Egyptians consider turning slippers the worst thing and that if someone saw a turned one and left it that way, something bad is going to happen and it may also bring the devil into the house.

It highlights that everything has to be in order and organized so no one can fall accidentally and hurt him or herself.

10- Hold the Wood

Hold the Wood - Traditions Only Egyptians Can Understand - Egypt Tours Portal

This is a proverb used in Egypt when someone says something good that has recently happened to him and requires the other one to hold the wood in order not to envy him. The saying could refer to people who catch on to the driftwood of a sunken ship in an attempt to save themselves and find rescue.

The time has come for every traveler to discover the treasures of Egypt from natural to cultural to very historical landmarks that date to more than 4000 years plus the amazing relaxing beauty of the Red and Mediterranean seashores through choosing one of our majestic Egypt vacations.

Tags: Before You Travel

ETP TEAM

Egypt Tours Portal is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and mysteries of ancient Egypt, helping travelers and history enthusiasts explore Egypt’s most iconic destinations and monuments. The team consists of experienced Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travelers, content creators, marketers, consultants, and explorers with 5–20 years of expertise in their respective fields.

The website provides accurate, regularly updated information developed by qualified experts and supported by trusted sources to ensure reliability and educational value. Drawing on more than 39 years of industry knowledge and resources, Egypt Tours Portal offers a wide range of travel services, including Egypt tours, Nile cruises, day tours, shore excursions and multi-country tours. Their services have earned positive reviews from travelers, recognition through awards, and mentions by respected news outlets and travel blogs, delivering both educational and memorable travel experiences across Egypt.

Why Travel With Egypt Tours Portal

The "Boutique" Advantage

We offer private, customizable journeys tailored to your pace, moving away from the "factory-style" mass-market tours.

Gold-Standard Guides

Travel with elite, licensed Egyptologists who act as storytellers, not just tour leaders.

Seamless Logistics

24/7 "high-touch" support with a dedicated coordinator for every aspect of your multi-vendor itinerary.

2026/04/egypt-tours-portal-clients-at-giza-pyramids.jpg

True Customization

Our "Tailor-Made" planning workflow ensures your trip matches your specific priorities and interests.

Luxury & Comfort

We prioritize premium guide quality and vetted, safe hotels to ensure a stress-free environment.

Protection & Security

Advanced safety protocols and 24/7 emergency contact for total peace of mind during your adventure.

Clients Feedback

Read the Heartfelt Reviews of Our Esteemed Clients

Tripadvisor 5,425+ reviews

Google 103+ reviews

Trustpilot 877+ reviews

WeTravel +80

Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

James H

"This has been a tour agency and guides I can’t wait to give a glowing review to and to recommend to friends and family. Both Riham and Walid were happy to help coordinate excursions and share a wealth of knowledge. 10/10 experience"

H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

"We loved it, great experience and treatment. Our guide Noah had great knowledge of the subject. Thank you very much."

Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

Departure20554993605

"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

Pick Your Journey