Ancient Egyptians Expressed Love with Poetry, Gifts, Flowers

A recent Egyptian study revealed that ancient Egypt has dedicated seasons for love. (AFP)
A recent Egyptian study revealed that ancient Egypt has dedicated seasons for love. (AFP)
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Ancient Egyptians Expressed Love with Poetry, Gifts, Flowers

A recent Egyptian study revealed that ancient Egypt has dedicated seasons for love. (AFP)
A recent Egyptian study revealed that ancient Egypt has dedicated seasons for love. (AFP)

Whether through poetry, gifts or flowers, ancient Egyptians were known as romance and nature lovers, who expressed their passion for their beloved.

A recent Egyptian study, published to highlight Egyptians’ celebrations on Valentine's Day, revealed that ancient Egypt had dedicated seasons for love, during which lovers express their feelings towards their loved ones and spouses, reported the German news agency (dpa).

The study published by Luxor’s Center for Women Studies and Rights in the Republican People's Party said that walls of tombs, known as the nobles’ cemeteries in western Luxor, are adorned with dozens of paintings drawn by artists of ancient Egypt to date and document details of greatest love stories in history.

The paintings tell how all segments of Pharaonic society expressed love and how they sought romance and meetings with loved ones in the heart of nature and on the banks of the Nile River.

The study highlighted that ordinary citizens, such as workers, fishermen and other craftsmen, went out on specific days of the year during what was known as the seasons of love. They used to take their wives on fishing trips and picnics to feel closer to their beloved and more able to express their feelings.

There were also annual seasons for those who were not married.

These seasons were known as the seasons of engagement and marriage.

Valentine’s Day falls on February 14 of every year.

“Boupasta” is one of the love seasons in ancient Egypt, and an occasion to express feelings of love and to celebrate engagement or marriage.

There were the “Ubot” festivals, a season for love and marriage, the festivals of Abidos, during which thousands performed a pilgrimage to the city, and the festivals in the cities of Dandara and Edfu, to mark the transition of the goddess Hathor from Dandara to the city of Edfu to meet her husband Horus.

The meeting between the goddess and her husband was an occasion for large celebrations, where people would go out to the squares and temples, and to the banks of the Nile to celebrate, meet and marry.

The most famous among these celebrations was the transition of the god Amun from his temple in Karnak, to meet his wife Amaunet in the temple of Luxor, and the transition of the goddess Hathor to meet her husband at the temple of Edfu.



Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
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Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)

Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman of the board of directors Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh announced that the fifth annual Riyadh Season has received a record-breaking 20 million visitors, marking an unprecedented milestone since the event’s inception in 2019, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Riyadh Season has solidified its reputation as a global entertainment hub, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and beyond. Popular destinations such as Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Boulevard Runway have seen particularly high foot traffic, offering a diverse range of artistic performances, international games, fine-dining experiences, and immersive cultural exhibits.

The mild winter weather and public holidays have further fueled attendance, with adventure seekers flocking to the Dunes of Arabia for camping and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition at the Saudi National Museum has captivated fashion and art enthusiasts. The Groves has also emerged as a prime attraction, featuring international cuisine, live music, and a unique ambiance.

Additionally, major sporting events—including boxing matches, martial arts competitions, and padel tournaments—have drawn significant crowds, alongside concerts featuring renowned artists from around the world.

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination.