Abstract: To what extent can the folklore of modern Egypt be traced back across time to ancient Egypt? This dissertation submitted to the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and the University of Chicago in 2006 by Nicole B. Hansen aims to answer this question through a case study of concepts and practices related to human reproduction across 5000 years of Egyptian history. The continuity of such concepts and practices has been suggested by many authors, but none have done systematic research to prove their assertions.

This work traces these concepts and practices back in time, from contemporary anthropological sources, to medieval authors like Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn al-Hajj, back through the hagiographic literature documenting the battle for the faith of Egyptians between early Christians and pagans, to classical ancient Egyptian texts, art and archaeological sources. Attention is paid to systematic similarity diachronically, and suggestions are made as to the reason for their continuity, in spite of such major changes like language and religion.

Among the topics covered are treatments for humidity in the womb as a cause of female infertility and male impotence caused by magic. Rituals carried out until today at sacred sites including ancient temples, churches and mosques are examined. The origins of the contemporary Egyptian post-natal ritual carried out on the seventh day after birth and related rituals are sought in Islamic, Coptic and ancient Egyptian sources. Finally, actions taken to prevent insufficient lactation and barrenness are explored.

It is hoped that this study will inspire and encourage other scholars to incorporate material from all time periods of Egyptian history into their research in order to enhance the insights possible.

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