According to historical accounts, the tradition of using lanterns as a decoration in Ramadan originated during the Fatimid Caliphate, primarily centred in Egypt, where Caliph Al-Muez Li-Din Allah was greeted by people carrying lanterns to celebrate his rule.
From that time, lanterns were used to light mosques, houses and streets throughout the capital city of Cairo, with people's homes adorned with stars and crescents, along with colours, during the Islamic holy month.
Ramadan lanterns come in many forms, from classic to modern, with the former manufactured in workshops by Egyptian craftsmen, and the latter now commonly imported from China.
Today, it is children who are most associated with going to the streets with beautiful and brightly coloured lanterns after the sunset prayer.
All photos by Mai Shaheen