“Wahawi ya wahawi, Iaha," meaning greeting to the moon and queen Iiah Hotep, is an old chant transmitted from ancient to modern Egypt and is culturally associated with the famous Ramadan lantern.
Over time, the chant and the fanous became symbols of joy and a rooted Egyptian tradition.
During the Fatimid reign, Hakem Beamr El-Laah limited women’s presence on the streets during Ramadan nights to always being escorted by a boy carrying a lantern to light up the dark allies.
Caliph Addid Ledin Allah also used the lantern in the crescent citing ceremony, and hence, the lantern became more associated with the Ramadan crescent.
Over the years, lanterns have taken more creative forms. Copper makers used to make new shapes from copper with a place inside to put a candle. Then, fanous was made of tin covered with stained glass. Later, people made electric plastic ones.
Some designs bore the names of famous people who preferred them, such as King Farouk’s design, which was crafted specially for the royal family’s celebration of the new king’s birthday.
Among the most famous styles are the stalactites, royal crown, parliament, lighthouse, star, watermelon, and father of sons.
The local workshops for manufacturing lanterns exist in El-Raba, Darb Ahmar, Ghoria, Al-Azhar, and Saida Zeinab, all historic districts in Cairo.
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