Celebrated since 2700 BC by all Egyptians regardless of their religion, beliefs, and social status, the name Sham El-Nasim (Inhaling the breeze) is derived from the Coptic language that, in turn, is derived from the ancient Egyptian language.

Originally pronounced Tshom Ni Sime, with tshom meaning “gardens” and ni sime meaning “meadows.”

With colored eggs, green onions and fesikh and sardins (salted fish ) Egyptians occupy all public gardens dawn to dusk in celebration of the offical beginning of spring.