January 6, 2014\
Ethiopian Christmas
Posted by endashawethio@gmail.com
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. This is due to
the fact that Ethiopians use a four millennia old Calendar known as the
Coptic or
Ge’ez Calendar. Ethiopia has preserved numerous festivals, cultures, dates and beliefs from being influenced by external powers/invaders.
Ethiopian Christmas or Genna holds a major significance within the
Christian community for it is the day they received their saviour
Lord Jesus Christ. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
marks this day as one of the holiest of its festivals after Easter.
There is a 43 days period of fasting and prayer before the Festival.
On the eve of Genna, which is the 6
th, a midnight mass is
gathered in churches all over the country. People give thanks to their
saviour Jesus Christ and most of all rejoice and celebrate his birth.
The atmosphere within the churches and the sentiment of people
holding traditional candles (made out of wax) combined with the sounds
of hymns and
Ethiopian Orthodox Mezmur are
so harmonious and delightful. A three hour-long sermon consisting of
prayer, reciting and singing concludes before breaking the fast.
![Yegena Chewata (photo: http://myafricanprinces.blogspot.com)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_suZCSxVCd5RFCfNYy-kdgbLxBUSySZHqWLnWmbeH2sOJOdRhwTdTGPmfHnU7QsBVQ_HyWDaLAklMbt92hO4ZSexOQF3PQHQ-TpKaU98Imrz-qRnnCHLf_P6iaBgzhnAp2J4n9L4gW3QXh9=s0-d)
The most exuberant and spectacular assemblage of all Christmas church celebrations is known to be in the rock hewn church of
Lalibela. It
is located in the Northern Highlands of Ethiopia a Province called
Wollo. People living in towns and cities celebrate this delightful
holiday in almost the same manner as the villagers. However due to
modernization and media exposure people in cities are obliged to put on
x-mass trees covered with shiny decorations. Women prepare delicacies;
men drink (home brews) and enjoy the holiday while children show off
their new clothes.
There is a traditional game played amongst boys/shepherds, which is no longer practiced in cities. “
Yegena Chewata”
it called after the festival itself. The game is similar to hockey,
but different in its own way. It is played with a wooden stick shaped
like golf club and a small ball. Women gather around and sing
metaphorical songs while watching boys play. As people continue feasting
with loved ones, well-wishers drop in at any time of the day. Genna is
a day of sharing good wishes, songs, good food, drinks and
entertainment.
Source: EthiopianCalendar.net
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The difference of date is due to
the use of the Julian calendar, whereas the western world uses the
Gregorian calendar under which Christmas is observed on December 25th.
A
spokesperson said, “Christmas is a major holy day in Ethiopia, where
more than half of the population is Orthodox Christian. The celebration
occurs on January 7th preceded by a fast of 40 days.
![Ethiopian Orthodox Church clergy picture](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_umXnhjMxtjCb2TCX9w5JcCH9ib1GOPBQsKkwr75hOPnEC5Fi0O3Z8Y4tIIxNifOxcM56ryP7oKRrcdmilVGRrLKk1F2DjMvqrT2NQ9Nyn56v1LyvY2lXgIqfSf74eSTyQFZ7OgH0AC7wtUvpJ-wT7NhykRdF9sLJv5aw1kV-hSPrxq72Dp3pzCpGJLdiU9z1k=s0-d)
“Lidet
or Genna is the Ethiopian name for Christmas and is marked by special
ceremonies. The difference of date is due to the use of the Julian
calendar which is based on the year of Grace 7 or 8 years after Anno
Domini [the year of Our Lord].
“The calendar in use in the west is the Gregorian calendar under which Christmas is observed on December 25th.
“Here
in Bermuda we celebrate in the tradition of the ancient Ethiopian
Church. Our divine liturgical service begins at 9:30pm sharp on
Christmas Eve with scripture readings and special prayers. The church is
specially decorated with Christmas flowers and other festive
decorations.
“This is the time that the clergy wear their best
vestments and the service begins with the procession of the Ark which is
held on the deacon’s head and is covered with elaborate cloths. This
procession involves the clergy going around the church three times
before the Ark is placed back on the altar.
“Christmas is a full
service which means that there will be communion towards the end
following the Preparatory service and the Anaphora. The service is based
on the Christmas story and lasts for 2-3 hours.
A slideshow of the intricate icons at Bermuda’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church
“At
the end of service attendees greet each other, exchange Christmas
salutations and everyone then gathers at the hall for an elaborate feast
with lots of food, drink, music and celebration until the sunrise.
“The period after Christmas until Epiphany [January 19th] is a time for members to visit one another.
“All
visitors are welcome to come and celebrate the birth of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ [Eyesus Christos] in the Ethiopian Orthodox
tradition.
“We invite you to join us for our Lidet Christmas
Service on Monday 6th 2014 at 9:30pm followed by our Traditional
Christmas Feast after service. Merry Christmas.”
The Church is located on 16 Old Military Road, St. Georges.
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