Coptic culture is deeply rooted in Egypt’s ancient Christian heritage, which is a perfect blend or combination of religious traditions. Language, art, and community life originate and emerged from the early Christian church in Egypt, specifically, the Coptic Orthodox Church; it is a kind of culture that played a significant role in preserving many ancient traditions and adapting them within a Christian framework (Farag, 2013). The church, founded by St. Mark the Apostle around 42 A.D. in Alexandria, is the central root of the Coptic identity where its teachings and rituals play a crucial role in shaping much of the Coptic life.
One defining aspect of Coptic culture is its application of the Coptic language, which is a direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian language. Although now primarily used in church masses or rituals, Arabic is the common language among Copts today as the Coptic remains happens to act or serve as a symbol of cultural continuity and religious devotion(Farag, 2013). Religious festivals include the Coptic Christmas celebration on January 7, and Easter celebrations marked by special rituals like fasting, and feasts. The Coptic calendar, called the “Martyrs’ Calendar,” begins with the feast of Nayrouz, celebrating the Coptic New Year in September, and it honors martyrs who were able to maintain their faith despite the challenges of persecution faced (Ayad, 2024).
Copts recognize seven different sacraments that must be completed in their life in order to grow spiritually: Baptism, Chrismation, Repentance and Confession, The Eucharist, Matrimony, Priesthood, and The Unction of the Sick. According to our group member Marena, the first sacrament completed is Baptism, which occurs after a newborn baby is born. Parents will wait forty days to baptize a baby boy, and eighty days to baptize a baby girl. The baby is dipped three times into a bowl of water sanctified with oil while wearing all white. After dipping the baby, they will receive “Tanawel,” known as the “holy secrets”. Chrismation is the sacrament that occurs after baptism, the priest will use holy oil to mark the sign of the cross from head to toe to protect them from sin. The third sacrament is Repentance and Confession. It is performed whenever an individual wants forgiveness for their sins. The Eucharist is the sacrament in which people receive the blood and body of Christ. Matrimony occurs when one is to become married within the church. Priesthood is a sacrament that someone receives when they want to have the authority of leading prayer and conducting confession. To be a priest, the person must be married. The Unction of the sick is the last sacrament that people receive, when “the priest anoints the sick with holy oil, cleansing them from physical and psychological ailments”(Coptic Orthodox Church of Minnesota,2020).
Coptic art and Symbols are integral to this culture, including crosses, intricate geometric patterns, and religious icons featured prominently, with the traditional Coptic icons mainly used to portray or depict saints and biblical scenes in a different, stylized form and symbolize holiness and eternity instead of realism (Till, 1957). The community is very closely knit, playing a crucial role in stressing family bonds, mutual support, and hospitality. It is within this community that the church gatherings, youth groups, and social help maintain strong community ties. In addition, the Coptic liturgical music, with its ancient melodies and chants form a crucial part of worship and cultural expression.
