Page 71 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 20

Community

Christmas in Ethiopia is a day of
togetherness in body and spirit.
In the end, Christmas in Ethiopia
is similar to Christmas everywhere
in the world – a spiritual celebra-
tion. I only wish to show you that
there is a more spiritual way of cel-
ebrating the birth of Christ. Christ-
mas can do without the Roman
pagan tradition of Saturnalia, and
also without consumerism. The
communal life of Africa is embod-
ied in Ethiopia, and this is fostered
by the spirituality Christmas de-
mands. Currently, Ethiopians have
adopted some aspects from the
popular ways of Christmas celebra-
tion across the world. I think the
Mass at the rock church of Lalibela. world can also adopt some aspects
from the Ethiopian Christmas.

Ethiopian Christmas 29th of Tahsas, the 4th month of
Genna is the name of Christmas in Ethiopian calendar. Main Points About Christmas
Ethiopia. It is a holy and spiritual Christmas in Ethiopia is both spir- in Ethiopia
celebration. I hope you will not itual and communal. It is spiritual • Christmas in Ethiopia is not
feel disappointment when I say: since families go to church in the typically held on the 25th of
there will be no Santa Clause, no morning to sing hymns in praise December, but it is held on the
colorfully wrapped secret gifts, and of the Lord who brought salva- 7th of January.
no Christmas trees decorated with tion through His son, Jesus Christ.
lights. Do not worry, for a grander It is communal because relatives • Before Christmas, there is a 43
celebration awaits you. In Ethio- and neighbors return from church day fast (fast of the Prophets).
pia, you will celebrate Christmas and feasting together. Dining too During this fast, Ethiopians
enveloped in the eternal joy only has a fascinating aspect in Ethio- stick to traditional vegan meals.
Jesus endows on His flocks. You pian tradition. During holidays it
will await Christmas with spiritual is customary to slaughter sheep • For Christmas, people in rural
eagerness – this day marks world and chicken at home and invite areas wear white toga or shawl
salvation through the birth of Jesus neighbors and relatives. There is with brightly colored stripes
Christ. also a communal tradition in which at the tip. While the people in
The birth of Christ is monumental neighbors collect money, buy cattle, the cities typically wear western
to Christians, and for the Ethiopi- and share the meat. Then, various attire.
an Orthodox Church, it is awaited dishes are prepared and served on
with fasting. Before Christmas, a big plate, with everyone eating • On Christmas eve, many Ethi-
Christians participate in 43-days together. Then, traditionally, young opians are gaily dressed for the
of fasting named Tsome Nebiyat people gather and play a game evening mass.
(Fast of the Prophets). The fasting similar to hockey known as Ye-
is a religious way of praying for gena Chewata, and Yeferes Gugs, • Typically, many Ethiopians
deliverance, and of cleansing one- which is played on horseback with stick to their traditional Christ-
self for the birth of Christ. The combatants throwing ceremonial mas meals. They include meat
fast ends on Gahad or Christmas spears in token of ancient hunting stew, eggs, and vegetables.
Eve with Christians partaking in traditions. The manner of fasting,
an overnight Mass. Lo and behold! feasting and playing genuinely em-
Christ is born on January 7 or on body the spirit of Ubuntu, because

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