November 4 is a distinct day on Egypt’s calendar. This is the Egyptian Day of Love.
It might seem unusual for a country to have not one, but two days for romance, when it also celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14 like many other nations.
Yet, this dual observance hints at Egypt’s deep-rooted connection with love — a legacy that dates back to the ancient pharaohs who immortalised their passions through architecture, poetry, and art.
For the ancient Egyptians, love was more than just an emotion. It was a sacred force, celebrated and recorded for eternity.
In the cradle of ancient civilisations, love transcended beyond sentiment. It inspired artistry etched into stone and written into papyri that have withstood the ravages of time, offering a vibrant glimpse into the heart of Egyptian society.
Women, revered as goddesses, queens, and partners, enjoyed a status that empowered them within the cultural narrative. Their significant roles are vividly depicted in inscriptions and art that paint a picture of societal collaboration and reverence, bridging divides and drawing the society into a harmonious embrace.
In ancient Egypt, love was considered the gift of heaven poured by nature into the cup of life to soften its bitter taste.
This sentiment was so profound that it found permanence within majestic temples and tombs – referred to as the “palaces of eternity”.
These were not merely resting places, but chronicles, inscribing love stories for posterity to admire.
At the heart of this cultural tradition were figures of royalty whose love tales carved a notable place in history.
Among them, the bond between King Ahmose I and his queen, Ahmose-Nefertari, remains legendary.
Their love was so profound that upon her death, she was worshipped as a goddess.
King Ahmose I immortalised her essence in Thebes, building a temple and inscribing her image in tombs, both noble and divine.
This reverence, lasting for centuries, underscores their eternal partnership.
The remarkable union of King Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye stands as another beacon of affectionate alliance.
At the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, their striking statue embodies equality, an unparalleled representation amongst royals.
French archaeologist Claire Lalouette highlights their partnership as symbolising cosmic unity – a divine bond transcending earthly bounds. Their companionship is a testament to shared destiny and enduring love.
Equally compelling is the tale of King Amenhotep IV, famously known as Akhenaten, and his queen Nefertiti.
Navigators of monumental change, they embarked on a revolutionary religious reformation together.
Akhenaten’s tributes to Nefertiti in art and sculpture reveal tender family moments, portraying affection in styles so novel and intimate they continue to captivate audiences today.
The love chronicle of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari is celebrated through both grand architecture and tender poetry, captivating every beholder.
Their endearing saga is eternally inscribed into the very stones of Abu Simbel. A temple, constructed in Nefertari’s honour, bears a foundation phrase resounding with enduring love: “This temple, engraved in the mountain, is a work that lasts forever, for the great wife Nefertari, beloved… in which the sun shines with love.”
These age-old tales resonate through Egypt’s rich historical tapestry, elucidating why this ancient realm dedicates two days to the celebration of love.
Each occasion is more than a festivity, homage to profound connections cherished since time immemorial.
Through these celebrations, Egypt honours the legacy of love immortalised in its sands, cultivating a continuum of romance that echoes through ages.
As modern Egyptians partake in these twin celebrations of love, they actively honour a tradition steeped in history, one that celebrates love as an integral, perennial aspect of life’s narrative.
This beautiful custom harmonises ancient heritage with contemporary appreciation, binding past, present, and future in a timeless devotion to l’amour.
Walking amidst the vibrant streets of Cairo or gazing upon the silent splendours of Luxor, one can almost hear the symphony of ancient love stories whispered by the winds that caress the Nile.
It is within this enchanting landscape that love’s profound story is written – again and again – in the hearts of people who, to this day, embrace an age-old truth: love is to truly alive.
