Egypt is a land where many customs are the exact opposite of those found in other countries. These differences can be seen in religion, daily life, clothing, writing, and even food. Because of this, Egypt appears unique and unusual to foreign visitors, and many of its practices stand apart from those of the rest of the world.
Priests and Hairstyles
In most countries, priests wear their hair long as a sign of holiness or tradition. In Egypt, however, priests shave their heads completely. Cleanliness is very important to them, and shaving helps them remain pure while serving the gods Sacred Cattle and Their Religious Importance.
Mourning customs are also very different. In other lands, people cut their hair short when they lose a close family member. Egyptians do the opposite. Since they usually keep their heads shaved, they allow both their hair and their beards to grow long after the death of a relative. This growth of hair is a visible sign of grief and sorrow.
Living Closely with Animals
In most parts of the world, people live apart from animals. Egyptians, however, often keep animals close to them. Animals live in or near their homes and are part of daily life. Some animals are even considered sacred and are treated with great respect. This close relationship with animals is another feature that makes Egyptian society different from others.
Food and Farming Practices
In many countries, barley and wheat are the main foods. In Egypt, eating barley or wheat is considered shameful. Instead, Egyptians rely on a grain called spelt, which some people call zea. This grain is used to make bread and other foods and forms the base of their daily dietPrivate Tour Guide Ephesus.
Their methods of preparing food are also unusual. Egyptians knead dough with their feet rather than their hands. At the same time, they mix mud and even handle dirt with their hands. These practices may seem strange to outsiders, but they are normal and accepted in Egypt.
Clothing and Body Customs
The Egyptians follow customs that differ even in clothing. Men usually wear two garments, while women wear only one. This is the reverse of what might be expected in other societies.
They are also among the only people in the world who practice circumcision, or at least they were the first, and others later learned the practice from them. This custom is connected to ideas of cleanliness and religious duty.
Ships, Writing, and Calculation
Egyptian shipbuilding also follows unique rules. When they fasten sails, they place the rings and ropes on the inside rather than on the outside, as other nations do.
Their writing and counting methods are equally distinct. While Greeks write and calculate from left to right, Egyptians move their hands from right to left. Even so, Egyptians insist that their way is the correct one, claiming that they move toward the right while the Greeks move toward the left.
Sacred and Common Writing
Egyptians use two different kinds of writing. One form is sacred and used for religious texts and temple inscriptions. The other is common and used for everyday records and communication. This division between sacred and ordinary writing reflects the strong role that religion plays in Egyptian life.
