Despite the threat of terrorism, Egyptians celebrated the national spring holiday of Sham El Nessim (Smelling the breeze) on Monday, picnicking in parks, eating Fiseekh (fermented salted fish) and playing games, media reported. Sham El Nessim is celebrated every year the Monday after Eastern Orthodox Easter, the date being determined after the Christian holy day. This annual celebration dates back to the Pharaohs' era, 4500 years ago, when it was called Shamo, or "renewal of life," in reference to the beginning of the agricultural season. Sham El Nessim is associated with eating Fiseekh, as the ancient Egyptians, living close to the River Nile, used to salt the extra fish for storage. Sham El Nessim is now a national holiday in Egypt, where families go to public parks and zoos, to celebrate this traditional ancestral heritage.