Days until St. Patrick's Day: 8
You probably didn't know this, but the ancient Egyptians were serious party animals. This was of course back in the day when they had a multitude of festivals each year (some of which still remain). And as such, it would be justiefied if you had a party on the same grand scale. Below you will find some tips on how to throw an Egyprtian party, but before we get to that, a couple of other things you might not have known about the Egyptians...
The first scientist in recorded history was of Egyptian origin and was called Imhotep.
We all know that there are 7 wonders of the world. But did you know that there were 7 wonders of the ancient world? Of those wonders, only the pyramids remained.
To keep the flies away from himself, an egyptian king would have a couple of slaves nearby, all naked and covered in honey.
Ever wondered where the toilet seat came from? Egypt. And the same goes for eye liner.
Pharaohs never revealed their hair to anyone.
The Egyptians were the first to set broken bones and also treated infections with mouldy bread (back then there were no antibiotics).
You probably didn't know that the Egyptians invented the scissors. And toothpaste. And the key. In fact, they also invented the potter's wheel, the calendar, the clock, metal pipes, egg hatchery, etc.
Ramses the Great had 8 wives and more than 100 concubines. He lived past 90.
That being said, it’s time to make like an Egyptian and party!
Struggling for ideas for Egyptian party
invitations? Well, if so, don’t worry because below we’ll share a
few ideas. And to ensure that your potential guests have all the
details, be sure to include the following invitation information:
Party Name: Think of a cool name for your party. An example would e “Harry’s Sphinx Festival”.
Salutation
Date & Time
Venue/Location
Dress Code
Contact Details
Additional information…
Some say the Chinese invented paper, but the paper we know today has its origins in Egypt. They traditionally invented and used papyrus on which they documented important events, procedures, etc.
This invitation can be easily made by downloading (with the appropriate permission) any Egyptian pharaoh’s papyrus image. Once done, simply use image editing software to edit out the necessary bits and replace them with your party’s details. When this is done, your local arts & crafts supply store should be able to provide you with papyrus sheets on which you will then be able to print your invitations.
For those who lack the necessary
computer skill, go down to any shop that stocks Egyptian merchandise
and buy the necessary papyrus images. Once done, use a stencil in the
appropriate font and gently convey the details of your invitation
onto the sheet.
For this invitation you will need some bandages, resin or glue and of course a fake limb. And all you would need to do is dip the bandages in the glue or the resin before wrapping them around the hand. Let it dry and then you have your mummified hand.
Now in addition to that, you will also
have to make a paper-based invitation. This can be done using a
computer and a printer or, if you prefer, be bought at the
appropriate store in your area. Once done, all you need to do is
attach the invitation card to the limb and get ready to deliver!
This invitation is for those who have some money to spend as it will require you to get a scarab for each of your friends. These can either be bought at the appropriate retailer in your area, or on the internet. Once you have them, attach a paper-based invitation with all the details and get ready to deliver.
Depending on the scarab you get, this
will make an excellent invitation as it is an item that can be used
as an ornamental decoration for years to come.
Pharaohs, priests, mummies, etc. – these are all possible costumes that can be worn to your Egyptian party. Be sure to specify it as such or simply “Egyptian” under the “Dress Code” section of your party.
Ideas for Egyptian party decorations
are plentiful. For those who don’t think themselves to be Egyptian
artists of note, why not just shop online for your decorations or pop
down to your local Egyptian merchandise retailer.
Pyramids
The Sphinx
Scarabs
Pharaohs
Sarcophagi
Mummies
Hieroglyphs (painted on the walls)
Treasure – beads, fake emeralds and gold, etc. (The pharaohs were often buried with all their earthly possessions).
No typical announcement here, so you can use your imagination. Ask a relative or friend to dress up as a mummy and welcome your guests at the door with a drink served in a hollowed pineapple.
Party favors are those items that will
have your friends think back to your party for years to come. Below
you will find a couple of our ideas, all of which can be bought from
the internet or the appropriate store in your area.
Figurines (The Sphinx, Pharaohs, Pyramids, etc.)
Beaded Necklaces
Banners
Souvenir Scarabs
Toy mummies
Toy sarcophagi
Key chains
For this activity you and your friends will need a couple of newspapers and/or magazines as well as lots of pink paper. In addition, some duct tape and a some wire could come in useful (as well as something to cut the wire with).
Before there can be a fashion show, you need some fashion. For this you will have to split into groups and make some appropriate Egyptian garments using the materials mentioned (use the wire as frames). Once done, it’s time to go modeling!
The team with the most inventive
garments, wins.
To play this game you will need a flat surface (possibly with a number of obstructions), a two or three straws and an equal amount of ping pong balls.
Quite simply, the object of the game is
to get the ping pong ball from the starting line to the finish line
by blowing it with the straw. The rules state that if someone handles
the ball with the straw or in any way (basically if the ball is
touched), then they have to start over.
This game will test two things: your communication skills as well as your acting skills. It is played by two teams being formed and one team leaving the room. As soon as they left, the remaining team has to decide on an idea to act out and someone who will do the initial acting. Now seeing that this is an Egyptian party, it might be a good idea to act out something along the theme. Examples include Cleopatra’s death, etc. Now, as soon as everything is decided, it's time for one member of the other team to come back into the room.
Now, the designated actor will have to
act out the idea to the person from the other team. This can only be
done once. After that the next person from the other team has to
enter the room. The previous member of that team then has to act out
what has been shown to them. This carries on until the last person of
the group outside comes in. The second-to-last person then has to act
out what he or she has seen. The last person then has to guess what
the original message was.
Egyptian Pharaohs were usually buried with all their earthly possessions, including their wives.
Using your own cryptic clues, perhaps with the aid of a hieroglyph code, paint a couple of hints around the venue that should act as guides to lead your guests to the location of a well-hidden treasure. Remember to do some research first to ensure that you know what the hieroglyphs mean that you will be using.
Additionally, look up some ancient Egyptian riddles to help you with this activity.
Think you and your friends will like Egyptian food? Here’s a list of some dishes:
Ful Mudammas (Broad Beans in Sauce)
Koushari (Lentils, Macaroni, Rice, and Chickpeas)
Shai (Mint Tea) and Baklava
Lemon and Garlic Potato Salad
Gebna Makleyah (Oven-Fried Cheese)
Bamia (Sweet and Sour Okra)
'Irea (Cinnamon Beverage)
Khoshaf
Lettuce Salad
Spinach with Garlic
However, most teenagers would probably not want to use these foods for their party. As such, here’s a list of some normal foods which you can either buy or make yourself (using recipes from the internet):
Spicy potato wedges
Sweet Potato Fries with Curry Mayonnaise
Lush biscuits
Mini pizza
Fajitas
Tacos
Hot dogs
Chicken wings
Crackers
Salads
Hamburgers
As for drinks, well, anything you think appropriate!