Sham el Nissem was originally a Pagan holiday, but because Egyptians are no long Pagan, has become more of a tradition. “Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Bakr, former chairman of the Antiquities Authority, explains that: ‘The spring festival coincided with the vernal equinox, and the ancients imagined that that day represented the beginning of creation'” (Heba Fattee Bizzari 2003). This is a reference to the creation of life, also tying in with spring and fertility rites. This thought is most likely derived from the observation the Egyptian people had of the rainy season and the abundance of plants, the procreation of animals, and the greater supply of water. All of these things are important to the Egyptians because they see this change in nature as a sense of wealth in an arid place like the desert. These occurances are related to life so it's easy to assume that they pictured this time as the beginning of life. Th e name of the holiday derived from the word “Shamo” which is the Ancient Egyptian harvest season. At this time, the Ancient Egyptians would offer foods to the gods such as salted fish, lettuce, and onions. In this sense, food becomes an important part of this celebration.

  The onion is a significant food in Egypt . “ To the modern Egyptian they served a different purpose, ‘They keep' the evil eye away and prevent envy,' said Sherif Momtaz, 45, nurse and Ihsan's husband. “They are also good for one's health,' added Momtaz” (Heba Fattee Bizzari 2003). There's also a legend that says a beloved prince from the ancient times obtained a disease. The people of Egypt were so grief-stricken by this that they stopped celebrating. The archpriest from the Temple of Oun said the boy was inhabited by evil spirits and directed to put a fresh spring onion under the boy's noise to inhale the scent. He recovered shortly after and Sham el Nissem was celebrated in the palace. The people hung onions from there doors in honor. This is how the onion became one of the main dishes of the spring celebration. This way, the onion doesn't become just apart of an abundant food source, but has an emotional or spiritual attachment to it.

  The salted fish, while very traditional, can become slightly controversial. In the ancient times, fish were offered to the gods in hopes of a plentiful harvest. They're also a symbol of fertility because of their abundance when the Nile River receded. The fish are prepared traditionally for the celebration by preserving them with salt. Some of the Egyptians don't feel that the fish is safe to eat. The strong smell makes them skeptical. There are also many records of people going to the hospital after dining on the smelly fish. Many of the fish preparers are arrested for selling bad fish to the celebrating Egyptians (Heba Fattee Bizzari 2003).

  The colored eggs are also an important part of the meaning of Sham el Nissem. The egg is a symbol of life and birth. The practice of painting the eggs has been celebrated since the Ancient Egyptian times. Families will join together and enjoy painting eggs during their picnic. “' This is the best part for the whole family. We usually go to the Cairo Zoo in the early morning but the first thing we do is color the eggs. We use watercolors and then put them in the sun to dry so they will be ready for us to enjoy. My four year old daughter is the most talented of my children at painting these,' said Mostafa “ ( Heba Fattee Bizzari 2003).

  Many Muslims live in Egypt . There is a strong emphasis on not celebrating any holiday that doesn't involve Islam. Oddly enough, even though Sham el Nissem is originally a Pagan holiday, the Muslims see it as a Christian celebration. Even though it is against their religion to celebrate this holiday, they still choose that day to involve themselves in the festivities. Some Muslims just don't want to be left out of the celebration when they're right in the middle of it. “‘ We all know that it is not a Muslim feast, but that doesn't mean I can't take my children out to celebrate and see other people celebrating and having fun. I would be cruel to my children if everyone they know is celebrating while they are at home upset,' said Momtaz “ (Heba Fattee Bizzari 2003).

  The celebration varies from place to place. Many people from Alexandria attend the Montazah Palace , which is open to the public during the holiday where they can enjoy spring to its full extent with its many gardens bearing thousands of types of plants. The palace also features folklore related presentations and parades.

  There are some recent issues with locals being able to picnic near the pyramids in Giza . Egyptians will settle on a plateau near the monuments to eat their traditional foods, but a law was passed that says they aren't allowed to celebrate their holiday there. Instead, they are allowed to picnic in a removed location still in sight of the pyramids. This is an issue dealing with tourists. Egyptians are allowed to visit the pyramids any time, but having a picnic there is not allowed. “ The decision has irked a lot of people, who regard it as a snub to locals in favor of foreigners” (Tarek Atia 2001).