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Earlier this month, during a meeting in AsunciĂłn, Paraguay, the added 63 new practices to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the support of 90 countries.

Among the are the traditional making of North Korean kimchi and marble craftsmanship from the Greek island of Tinos. Other newly inscribed traditions include classical horsemanship in Austria, folk dances in Peru and Romania, and a Namibian fruit festival.

In the Middle East and North Africa, — a symbol of hospitality and generosity — has also been officially recognised, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar all sharing in this honour. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s and have been officially recognised.

Egypt, similarly, achieved a remarkable feat, with two of its cultural practices added to the list: the Semsemiah instrument and Henna.

As celebrations continue in recognition of these significant acknowledgements, °®Âţµş takes a closer look at the Egyptian practices that were added and explores what their inclusion means for Egypt and its cultural heritage.

The Semsemiah: Egypt’s musical emblem

Made of beechwood with steel strings, the semsemiah lyre is a traditional Egyptian string instrument that was originally by Bedouin communities along the Red Sea in the Sinai Peninsula.

Over time, the instrument has evolved into an important cultural symbol for urban Egyptians, especially in the cities surrounding the Suez Canal, including Port Said, Suez, and Ismailiyah.

According to Ahmed el-Ashry, the founder of the Semsemiah Companion band in Port Said, the semsemiah was brought to the canal cities by the people of Upper Egypt who participated in the Suez Canal digging in the 19th century.

Ahmed added that the semsemiah played a key role in national songs during critical moments in Egypt’s history, soon earning the nameĚý"instrument of popular resistance."

Elaborating further, Ahmed explained that from the , through the challenges of the and the of people from Port Said, to the triumph of , music — particularly the Semsemiah — became a symbol of resistance, offering comfort to the displaced and ultimately celebrating the joy of victory.

Over the years, the semsemiah has undergone significant evolution to arrive at its present form, with modern versions now featuring up to 33 strings, compared to the traditional five.

“Where once it was limited to a modest five strings, it now boasts a rich tapestry of 33 strings, enhancing its melodic range and allowing it to explore a wider array of musical maqams,” said Ahmed.

In response to the addition of the semsemiah to the list, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fouad Hanou,Ěý, “The semsemiah serves as a vibrant cultural emblem that encapsulates Egyptian identity, accompanying the people through their joys and struggles, particularly in the Suez Canal area, and embodying themes of resilience and celebration.”

He also emphasised the role of the semsemiah in inspiring a new generation of children, who are learning to play it from skilled artisans, ensuring the preservation of this important cultural heritage.

Ahmed also shared his excitement, saying, “At last, the semsemiah is gaining global recognition."

"Its recognition is a significant achievement that the semsemiah truly deserves,” Ahmed added.Ěý

Henna as a symbol of beauty, healing, and celebration

Originating from a deciduous tree that thrives in warm climates, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, henna leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into a paste.

For years, henna has been an essential part of celebrations such as weddings and births. It has also been used by women for beautification, such as colouring hair and decorating hands and feet.

Moreover, henna has been valued for its medicinal properties, including the treatment of skin ailments. For example, the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest and most detailed texts on ancient Egyptian medicine, mentions henna's use in .

In addition, the application of henna is often .Ěý

Weighing in on its historical roots, Egyptologist Hussein Abdel-Bassir highlights that the use of henna dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was .

Hussein shared with °®Âţµş that the ancient Egyptians believed henna had the power to protect an individual’s spiritual essence.

“Henna served as a prominent feature in both everyday and religious practices in ancient Egypt, with a variety of documented uses. It was utilised to colour hair, giving it a lively appearance, as shown by the discovery of mummies with brightly dyed red hair, likely achieved through henna during the embalming process, such as the mummy of Ramses II,” explained Hussein.

“This practice underscores the symbolic significance of henna in spiritual rituals, as it was thought to offer protection to both body and soul in the afterlife,” Hussein added.

Hussein further noted that henna was employed as a natural dye, with .

According to Hussein, the many uses of henna, backed by archaeological discoveries and scientific studies, highlight its important role in both everyday life and religious practices, showing a deep connection to nature and the creative use of natural resources.

Delving into further historical facts, evidence suggests that, according to tradition, the .

In response to henna’s addition to the list, the Ministry of Culture emphasised that the registration of henna highlights its significance as a cultural practice that mirrors the traditional essence of the participating communities, serving as a joyful symbol associated with festive celebrations.

“The collaborative efforts of Egypt and other Arab nations demonstrate the rich diversity of arts, rituals, and social practices tied to henna, ensuring the preservation of this heritage within the communities that practice it and its transmission across generations for a future inheritance,” the Ministry .Ěý

Looking ahead, the next meeting of the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place in , where efforts will continue to celebrate and protect the world’s diverse traditions.

Salwa Samir, a Cairo-based journalist, writes about antiquities, human rights, social issues, immigration, and issues concerning children and women.

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