Now, as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan continues, Egyptians are flocking to local markets to purchase colorful lanterns. The lanterns -- known as fanoos in Arabic -- are for their children or to use as ornaments for homes and workplaces. Yasser Hakim takes a look at how this custom evolved throughout the centuries.

One of many stories that links lanterns to Ramadan was during the Fatimid period in Egypt more than a thousand years ago. People went to the streets to greet a caliphate returning from a long trip on the first week of Ramadan. They met him with their lanterns to light the way. Lanterns were hanged everywhere and they remained there all month. It then became a habit to celebrate Ramadan with lanterns every year, till now.

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT "The lantern is simple. A metal and glass box with light inside. There used to be a candle in the old days. Now it's been replaced by light bulbs. And it comes with different colours."

It also comes with different material but the metal ones are the original.

SABER MOHAMED LANTERN SHOP OWNER "The Fatimid laterns are the metal ones with a candle. They are the classic look. They are handmade produced exactly like the old times during the Caliphate El Moez El Fatimy."

But the classic metal lanterns have been slowly taken over by other types.

SONBOL AHMED LANTERN SHOP OWNER "The metal is heavy and the glass breaks. It's also expensive because handmade. So people turned to the wooden lanterns which look chic and are cheaper. Now the plastic lanterns are popular too especially for kids because the lantern plays Ramadan music and songs."

This year's fashion is the cloth covered lanterns. And of course hero of the day, Mohamed Salah is a main feature.

SONBOL AHMED LANTERN SHOP OWNER "Every year there's a different character. This year there's a huge demand for Mohamed salah because of the world cup. It's the most expensive one but it's been sold out, both the plastic and wooden ones."

Lanterns have become a means of celebrations and honouring the good things in our life. It started in Egypt and has spread all over the Arab and Muslim world. Yasser Hakim, CGTN, CAIRO.