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Every year, Muslim countries celebrate the Prophet Mohamed's birthday, Mawlid Al-Nabi, with vibrant celebrations that reflect their unique cultural traditions. In Egypt, these festivities are celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi'al-Awwal and are steeped in history, with roots reaching back to the Fatimid era. What began as simple Quran readings evolved into grand public celebrations, complete with vibrant decorations, singing, and a variety of special sweets.
Among these, the iconic Arouset El-Mouled—a sugar doll adorned with colourful paper—stands out as a beloved symbol. But how did this sweet figure become intertwined with Mawlid Al-Nabi? In this article, we'll explore the rich tapestry of Egyptian tales to uncover the origins of Arouset El-Mouled and its enduring place in celebrating the Prophet's birth.
The Tale of the Sultan on a Horse and the Mawlid Doll
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One of the most enchanting tales of Arouset El-Mouled dates back to the reign of the Fatimid ruler El Hakim Ba'amrUllah. During a grand Mawlid celebration, Ba'amrUllah dressed as a soldier on horseback and paraded through the town with his wife. She was a vision of elegance, adorned in a white dress with a crown of jasmine flowers. Captivated by her beauty, local candy makers sought to immortalise the scene.
They crafted a sugar doll, the Arouset El-Mouled, adorned with vibrant colours, three circular fans, and a sugar sculpture of the ruler on his horse. Thus, the tradition of the Mawlid doll and the sultan on a horse was born, weaving a tale of love, beauty, and celebration into the fabric of Egyptian culture.
The Tale of the Brave Soldiers and Their Sugar Brides
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Another tale from the Fatimid era tells of a tradition where soldiers heading to war were promised a beautiful bride upon their return. As a symbol of this promise, they were given sugar dolls resembling these future brides. These sweet dolls were crafted yearly to honour the soldiers' bravery and celebrate their safe return. Over time, these sugar brides became integral to Mawlid Al-Nabi celebrations, symbolising courage, love, and the hope of reunion.
The Tale of the Wedding Sweet Celebration
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This sweet tale tells of a time when Fatimid rulers encouraged their people to marry on the Prophet's birthday. Grand parties were held, and the streets were adorned with decorations to celebrate these weddings. In honour of these joyful occasions, the people crafted candy brides, known as Mawlid Brides, decorated with colourful paper alongside a groom figure on horseback. This sweet tradition became a symbol of the union, with the groom gifting the candy bride to his new daughter-in-law—a custom that continues to this day.
The Tale of Isis and Osiris
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Our last tale links the Mawlid Bride and the Knight to the ancient Egyptian myth of Isis and Osiris. Some believe that the Knight represents Horus, depicted with a sword to symbolise his battle against Set, the embodiment of evil. The colourful paper fans behind the Mawlid Bride are thought to be inspired by the vibrant wings of Isis. This interpretation suggests that the tradition of the Mawlid Bride and Knight is a celebration of marriage and a continuation of ancient Egyptian symbolism woven into the fabric of modern festivities.
