The men and boys are separated from the women and girls. They adhere to a strict diet of one vegan meal per day. Members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church passes through special 43 fasting days called ‘Tseome Nebiyat’ the fast of the prophets, before the actual day of the Christmas. This date works to the Julian calendar that pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly observed. Priests carrying wooden crosses led a night-time mass at the Jibreel (Gabriel) church, a hastily converted building in Um Raquba camp near Sudan’s eastern border. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ethiopia (and especially the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) celebrates Christmas on January 7th, not December 25th. Is Ethiopian Christmas Day a Public Holiday? Archaeological discoveries dating back to over 3 million years, crisscross the length and breadth of the country, making it a land of ancient history and culture. The day before Christmas most of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers fast all day. According to the ancient Julian calendar which is used in Ethiopia, Christmas day falls on January 7 on the popular Gregorian calendar most of us are familiar with. Involving the menfolk only, it involves individuals riding on horseback and shooting harmless spears at one another. The special Christmas dish is doro wat, which is a delicious thick spicy stew with chicken and whole boiled eggs in it.It is eaten with injera, a thin sourdough flatbread used to scoop up the wat instead of using cutlery. Advertisments. Stream TV series, documentaries, and more. Ethiopia runs with the Coptic Calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian which is in operation in other parts of the world. The center circle is the most important and holy place in the church and is where the priest serves the Holy Communion or Mass. If the church is of the ancient kind, it will be situated outside the capital city, Addis Ababa. The choir sings from the outer circle. Santa Claus is a fairly recent visitor to Ethiopia, only being known about through 'western' Christmas traditions. On 7 January, many Orthodox Copts and other Orthodox Christians (including those in Russia and Ethiopia) celebrate their Christmas Day. The game has close similarities to the game of Hockey. For Ganna, people get dressed in white. The Christmas celebration Ethiopians call Genna compresses them, shoulder to shoulder, to fast and chant and praise all night 'til dawn brings Christmas Day. Whereas the Gregorian calendar constitutes 365 days in a year and 366 in every leap year, the Coptic has 13 months. People go to church mass on Christmas Eve (called the gahad of Christmas) at 6.00pm and the service finishes about 3.00am on Christmas Day. More elaborate celebrations take place twelve days later, on Timkat, or … Most Ethiopian Christians belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which adheres to a different church calendar than that commonly found in the West (see also Old Christmas Day). Lalibela is the most popular place to celebrate Genna, as thousands of pilgrims flock to this holy city for the celebration. With drinks, you are spoiled for choice. Ethiopian Christmas: Genna (ልደተ-ለእግዚእነ/ ገና) January 19 (Leap year: January 20) Epiphany: Timkat (ብርሐነ:ጥምቀት) March 2: Victory at Adwa Day: የዓድዋ:ድል:በዓል: Commemorates Ethiopia's victory over Italy in 1896. moveable in spring: Good Friday: Siklet (ዓርበ:ስቅለት) moveable in spring: Easter Children usually receive very simple presents such as clothing. Musical instruments are played during the Timkat procession. The special drink for Christmas is made from barley. Ethiopian Christmas day celebrations (Genna), Bet Maryam Church, Lalibela, Ethiopia. Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia famous for monolithic rock-cut churches. The fast is broken the next day at dawn, followed by a colorful procession. The structure of the ancient places of worship comes from solid, volcanic rocks. It's played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball, a bit like hockey. Within the outmost circle, the members of the choir sing and minister. It's a vegan meal because during the fast, foods including meat, dairy, eggs and wine aren't eaten. The 40 days prior to Christmas (including Dec. 25) are observed with a vegan fast. The Timkat celebration begins on the 19th January and lasts for three days. Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in Africa. Twelve days after Ganna, on 19th January, Ethiopians start the three day celebration of Timkat. The feast marks the end of the 40 day fasting period of Advent. But if you are going to play a part in the actual celebrations, then prepare to join in the fast on Christmas ‘eve’, the 6th January. Armenian Orthodox Christmas Day When is Orthodox Christmas? Watch, learn, laugh, connect, and explore online, in-home or on-the-go. Most people who live outside big cities live in round house made of mud-plastered walls which have thatched cone-shaped roofs. Not to worry as you will savor the rich taste of “doro wat’, which is Ethiopian chicken served in delicious red, pepper paste. It still follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The following sums up the Yuletide celebrations in Ethiopia: Christmas in Ethiopia is also called Ganna, by the Orthodox Church. On Christmas Day many people wear traditional Ethiopian dress. Ethiopian Christmas Customs Christmas Eve On January 6th, Ethiopian Christmas Eve, people observe a fast. For the tens of thousands of Ethiopians who have fled fighting in their homeland of Tigray to neighbouring Sudan, this year's Coptic Christmas on January 7 is a sombre celebration. The day before Ganna, people fast all day. A makamiya, a long T-shaped prayer stick is used to keep the rhythm and is also used by the priests and a stick to lean on during the long Timkat church service! Ethiopia holds a very special place in my heart since it is the birth country of my son Shea. With over a 100 million people, Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa. Children walk to church services in a procession. In Ethiopia, the calculation of time is based on checking the hours from the break of dawn. During the period, you will find children attired in robes and crowns, moving in processions to attend church services. English (US) Español; Français (France) 中文(简体) Today Ethiopia is celebrating Christmas. Everyone who goes to church for the Ganna celebrations is given a candle. The Ethiopian … The … Happy/Merry Christmas in Amharic is 'Melikam Gena!' Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. You will observe that congregants walk around the outermost circle thrice, holding the candles in hand. Genna or Ethiopian Christmas takes place in the month of January in Ethiopia. With the overall objective of bringing the family together, men and boys play a traditional game, coincidentally called ganna. You will be served lots of Injerra during the Yuletide feast. The sistrum is a percussion instrument with tinkling metal disks a bit like a vertical tambourine. It's a modern city. The Orthodox Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. (ááá«á áá!). Christmas Day is a public holiday on January 7 in countries such as Belarus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine. The mass commences as people enter the churches and receive candles. Comprehensive list of National Public Holidays that are celebrated in Ethiopia during 2020 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the world's oldest, observes Christmas on Jan. 7, following a calendar similar to the Coptic Church. Some countries, such as Armenia, observe Christmas Day on January 6. On Christmas day, you will find citizens attired in traditional garments called ‘Shamma’ and headed to church, where the fast is officially ended. Rich music accompanies such processions, with instruments such as sistrum and T-shaped prayer sticks with drums belting out joyous music. Many other orthodox churches around the world also celebrate Christmas on the 7th January. Ethiopian Christmas (7th January) Christianity has existed in Ethiopia since 330 AD, and Rastafarians regard blacks as the Jews of the Bible. This celebration occurs twelve days after Ganna and it centers on the baptism of Jesus Christ. As a consequence of adopting the Coptic calendar, Ethiopia celebrates the New Year on September 11th. This event commemorates the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, according to the Christian Bible. The centre circle is considered the most sacred part of the church. Ganna comes 12 days before the Timkat festival, another important holiday, commemorating the baptism of Jesus. The people wear a thin cotton wrap and gather in the churches to celebrate the birth of Christ with a beautiful ceremony throughout the night. Elsewhere in the world, Christmas is … There are other fascinating facts about Ethiopia that are worthy of mention: For starters, more than half the population profess Christianity. The people wear a thin cotton wrap and gather in the churches to celebrate the birth of Christ with a beautiful ceremony throughout the night. The Ethiopian Calendar has different months - and Christmas in on the 29th of Tahsas. It is a day when families attend church. Ethiopian Christmas Day in Ethiopia Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 to remember Jesus Christ’s birth, described in the Christian Bible. Special Ethiopian Christmas Arts TV program A day with famous Ethiopian film director Amleset Muchie. Pieces of the injera are used as an edible spoon to scoop up the wat. Ethiopian Christmas is marked by … This is another peculiar feature of Christmas in Ethiopia. It is a day when families attend church. List of Public and National Holidays in Ethiopia for the year 2020. All rights reserved, Ethiopian Christmas Celebrations - How to. Read on to learn more about the Ethiopian ways of celebrating Christmas. The physical locations of the church forms an interesting tale. The vines grow in Ziway, about 150km southeast of Addis Ababa. Genna is also the name given to a hockey-like ball game. January 7th, is the day when the historically Ethiopian Christmas has been celebrated and Ethiopians are not the only ones who do so. Christmas Eve December 24, 2020; Christmas December 25, 2020; Kwanzaa December 26, … Many of these are also adherents of the Orthodox Church in Ethiopia. You can opt for “Tej”. It's worn like a shawl or toga. Another popular game at Christmas in Ethiopia is “Yeferas suk”. Around the time of Genna, the boys play a game that is called ganna. January 7th, is the day when the historically Ethiopian Christmas has been celebrated and Ethiopians are not the only ones who do so. If you live in a big town or city you might wear 'western' clothes. - www.whychristmas.com, Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Since bringing him home in 2010 we have visited Ethiopia twice and each time I go I fall more in love with this amazing country. Your video will begin in 13. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, this Christmas celebration is called Ganna. The day before Christmas most of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers fast all day. Traditional Christmas foods in Ethiopia include 'wat' which is a thick and spicy stew that contains meat, vegetables and sometimes eggs (sounds yummy!). These churches sit on three concentric circles. People spend a lot of time praying and singing. In the country, they are often very old and have been carved out of rock. Think you might not get the proverbial Christmas chicken? This is due to the fact that Ethiopians use a four millennia old Calendar known as the Coptic or Ethiopian Calendar. Many other orthodox churches around the world also celebrate Christmas on the 7th January. Or you could stick to Ethiopian coffee, which is one of the most popular species in the world. The celebrations in Orthodox countries began midnight on "Christmas Eve", by which we mean January 6. Around the time of Ganna, the men and boys play a game that is also called ganna. In Ethiopia, the celebration of Christ’s birth (‘Genna’) is celebrated on January 7. The 40 days prior to Christmas (including Dec. 25) are observed with a vegan fast. As for Christmas, Ethiopians mark the ancient festival on the 7th January of every year. During this time, traditionally only one vegan meal is eaten each day. It's also a tradition that one of the Wise Men who visited Jesus came from Ethiopia. Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) is celebrated on 7 th of January every year, instead of the typical December 25 th, which is celebrated by Christians all over the world. What results is a sweet, smoky drink that goes along with your Ethiopian Christmas meal. Members of the church participate in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas, which begins on November 25th, called Fast of the Prophets. The Ethiopian holiday Easter celebrated for 3 days in the country. Expect to spend at least three to four hours in church for the Yuletide day mass. From there, worshippers proceed to the second circle and stand for the duration of the service as there are no seats in the church. © 2021 Demand Africa. They then go to the second circle to stand during the service. Ethiopians do not give or accept gifts during the period. Christmas in Ethiopia. It's a thin white cotton piece of cloth with brightly colored stripes across the ends. This is due to the fact that Ethiopians use a four millennia old Calendar known as the Coptic or Ge’ez Calendar. … “Jebena buna” is coffee brewed in the traditional clay pot (known as a ‘jebena’). Ganna involves the use of a wooden stick and a wooden ball. Most people go to Church on Christmas day. Tej is a kind of honey wine with a wide appeal across the country. Ethiopian Christmas Day Today is the Ethiopian Christmas Day. The day is celebrated with amazing cultural dishes, clothes, traditional games and different religious activities. From here, the priest leads the service and conducts the Holy Communion. Of the thirteen months, 12 feature 30 days while the final month, also called the intercalary month, has 5 days and 6 days in a leap year. The Christmas celebration in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is called Ganna or Genna. Mass begins as early as 4 am, as you will observe that citizens visit churches closest to their places of residence. The focus is more on gatherings of family and friends as well as a strict observance of the spiritual aspects of the festival. Because unlike many other parts of the world, Christmas is not commercialized to large extents in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Christmas Day Many Orthodox churches annually celebrate Christmas Day on or around January 7. While there are no Christmas trees and giving of gifts, an Ethiopian Christmas has its own peculiarities that come with the charm and the unfathomable spirituality involved in the Ganna celebrations. The city is crowded with pilgrims praying, chanting and singing carols on the streets. Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) is celebrated on 7th of January every year, instead of the typical December 25th, which is celebrated by Christians all over the world. The design of Ethiopian Church is similar to the houses. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus. Ganna comes 12 days before the Timkat festival, another important holiday. Ethiopian Christians living in a refugee camp in Sudan have marked Coptic Christmas in exile, desperately praying to be reunited with loved ones and return to their conflict-hit home. Advertisments. There are also a variety of Ethiopian wines from the Rift Valley region of the country. Demand Africa is the premiere destination showcasing world-class lifestyle, travel, and entertainment. From Selamta (The Magazine of Ethiopian Airlines Jan–Feb 2017) Christmas in Ethiopia, like most other Christian holidays, is celebrated in its own unique way. The reason these dates vary so much from what we know as Christmas … In the Amharic language, Father Christmas or Santa Claus is called 'Yágena Abãt' which means 'Christmas Father'. The fast runs through the whole day and breaks at dawn. As mentioned earlier in the article, the day is marked on the 7th January of every year. After the curtains may have been drawn on Ganna, brace yourself for the celebration of Timkat! Ethiopian Christmas known as Genna is one of the most popular holidays in Ethiopia. The fast is broken the next day at dawn, followed by a colorful procession. If you do get invited to feast at an Ethiopian home during Christmas, expect to see traditional, everyday cuisines. The Ethiopian capital city is Addis Ababa. Adults wear the Netela. In fact, if you do decide to spend Christmas in Ethiopia, then expect things to come differently with regards to what activities and events you would consider typical or take for granted in other parts of the world. But if you are going to play a part in the actual celebrations, then prepare to join in the fast on Christmas ‘eve’, the 6th January. Christmas in Ethiopia is also called Ganna, by the Orthodox Church. Ethiopian Christmas Customs Christmas Eve On January 6th, Ethiopian Christmas Eve, people observe a fast. Christmas and new year background, celebration national concept with white decor. This religious leaning greatly influences the ways and means of marking Christmas in the country. These wines pattern the established forms from parts of Europe like Cuvee Prestige Chardonnay and the Cuvee Prestige Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend. Injerra is a flat, spongy bread that forms the base for almost all the meals eaten in the country. The city is crowded with pilgrims praying, chanting and singing carols on the streets. An important Ethiopian holiday, visitors in the country can get an insight into the religious traditions and culture of the African nation. They remain outdoors all night, praying and chanting. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates. If you do like milk in your coffee while in Ethiopia, then the ‘macchiato’ will tickle your fancy. This page contains a national calendar of all 2021 public holidays for Ethiopia. It's played on horseback and the men throw ceremonial lances at each other (sounds rather dangerous!). For modern churches, located within the capital city, the building style is more expressive. Sometimes children might be given a small gift of some clothes from their family members. January 7 Genna is the Ethiopian Christmas and it relates to other Orthodox Christmas celebrations around the world. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the world's oldest, observes Christmas on Jan. 7, following a calendar similar to the Coptic Church. The shamma is made of a thin white cloth and worn like a toga. Ethiopia, Amhara Region, Lalibela, Arbatu Ensessa, Biblia Chirkos, painted nativity scene. Ethiopia (and especially the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) celebrates Christmas on January 7th, not December 25th. Ethiopia flag on wooden table with joy text. The people walk around the church three times in a solemn procession, holding the candles. Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7th. You could add some sugar but it’s taken with no milk. Many people take part in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas. You can get this drink from coffee shops and malls. Following the Julian calendar, this East African, Orthodox Christian nation celebrates Christmas on the 7th January … The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's celebration of Christ's birth is called Ganna. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you expect to give or receive a gift during the Yuletide celebrations in Ethiopia, you will be disappointed. Read on to learn more about the Ethiopian ways of celebrating Christmas. Christmas in Ethiopia. TIGRAY , 06 January, 2021 / 5:15 PM ().-The need to respect human life and the upholding of the constitution in Ethiopia where violence in the country’s Tigray region is reportedly on the rise are some of the highlights of Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel’s message ahead of Christmas Day in the Horn of Africa nation.. Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in Africa and indeed the world! The calendar the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church uses originally came from calendar used by the Coptic Orthodox Church (which is based in Egypt) but now has it's own special days. People don't give and receive present during Ganna and Timkat. It is a strong expresso type of coffee served in a small glass cup. Ethiopian Christmas, which is celebrated on the 7th January, is call... ed Ledet or Genna which comes from the word Gennana, meaning “imminent” and which expresses the coming of the Lord and the freeing of mankind from sin. It's more a time for going to church, eating lots and playing games! List of Public and National Holidays in Ethiopia for the year 2020 Ethiopian Christmas is on Tuesday, 07 January 2020 Timket is on Sunday, 19 January 2020 Adwa Victory Day is on Monday, 02 March 2020 Third Quarter Moon The Third or Last Quarter Moon is when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter. Before we dig into how an Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated, let’s start with some history. Most people wear a traditional garment called a Netela. Rather, you will find that citizens engage in other activities like prayers, fasting, feasting and playing games. Gift giving is a very small part of Christmas celebration. It starts on 25th November and is known as the 'Fast of the Prophets' (Tsome Nebiyat). The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth—what we call Christmas in the West—is called Ganna. In Ethiopia Christmas day is January 7, so on Christmas Eve the city is crowded with pilgrims from all parts of the country. Wat is eaten on a plate of 'injera' - a flat bread. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians don’t eat meat dairy products for 55 days and the 54th day is … Therefore, Ethiopians celebrate Genna Day on January 7. At this game, family members and friends gather to cheer and support different teams. Ethiopian men also play a sport called yeferas guks. Sometimes houses in the country are rectangular and made of stone. The day before Ganna, people fast all day. They wear the crowns and robes of the church youth groups that they belong to. The fast runs through the whole day and breaks at dawn. On Christmas Eve, the faithful participate in church services through the night before celebrating with family and friends on Christmas day. In cities, modern churches are built in three circles, each within the others. Ethiopian Christmas is on Tuesday, 07 January 2020; Timket is on Sunday, 19 January 2020; Adwa Victory Day is on Monday, 02 March 2020; Siklet is on Friday, 17 April 2020; Ethiopian Easter Sunday is on Sunday, 19 April 2020; Ramadan 2020 will begin on Thursday, 23 April 2020 © Copyright 2000 - 2021 James Cooper | About the site | Cookies & Privacy | Site Map | Other Links | Support | Website logistics by LetterBlock | Proud Affiliate of the Merry Network, whychristmas?com answers your Christmas questions! Important landmarks and ruins found in Ethiopia include the Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th–13th centuries, the Aksum; an ancient city with obelisks, tombs, castles as well as Our Lady Mary of Zion church. Christmas in Ethiopia is called Ganna (or Genna) and is celebrated on January 7th. After 55 days of fasting to commemorate the fasting of Jesus Christ after he was baptized with the age of 30. [amazon_link asins=’B00OGHG7H8,B004EXYIUM,B0133LSAFO,B01FM2J092,B000FVGNS2,B01N7XPBL3,B005UA0FLE,B01LAXKFDW’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’dawebsite2017-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2314a90f-d478-11e7-90d5-cb00df700617′]. The priests wear red and white robes and carry embroidered fringed umbrellas. The Ethiopian Calendar has different months - and Christmas in on the 29th of Tahsas. As mentioned earlier in the article, the day is marked on the 7th January of every year. Gregorian calendar, which is in operation in other activities like prayers, fasting, feasting playing. Demand Africa is the day before Ganna, people observe a fast individuals riding horseback! Proverbial Christmas chicken - www.whychristmas.com, Happy/Merry Christmas in the country the design of Ethiopian wines the! 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On September 11th crowns, moving in processions to attend Church services to this holy city the. Get invited to feast at an Ethiopian home during Christmas, Ethiopians start the three day celebration of 's... Commences as people enter the churches and receive present during Ganna and it relates to other Orthodox annually! For the Ganna celebrations is given a candle s birth—what we call in. An insight into the religious traditions and culture of the Moon is illuminated compared to the fact that use... Receive very simple presents such as clothing the men and boys play a sport called guks... After he was baptized with the age of 30 sometimes children might be a. Addis Ababa established forms from parts of the world historically Ethiopian Christmas meal and T-shaped sticks... On checking the hours from the women and girls an Ethiopian Christmas as. Do get invited to feast at an Ethiopian Christmas Customs Christmas Eve, people fast all day procession, the!
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