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In Ethiopia, Christmas, known as Genna or Lidet, is a vibrant and deeply significant celebration that brings together communities in a unique blend of religious devotion, cultural rituals, and joyous festivities. While it shares the same religious roots as Christmas celebrations around the world, Ethiopian Christmas is enriched by its rich history, traditions, and customs that have been passed down through generations.
The Date and Significance:
Unlike the widely recognized December 25th date for Christmas in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Christmas falls on January 7th. This date is observed according to the ancient Julian calendar, which is still used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The celebration marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and it holds immense spiritual significance for Ethiopian Christians.
Preparations and Festivities:
Leading up to Genna, Ethiopians engage in various preparations and rituals to honor the occasion. Homes and churches are adorned with colorful decorations, and families come together to clean and decorate their living spaces. Traditional attire, including the iconic white Ethiopian garment known as a “shamma,” is worn during the celebrations.
One of the most cherished traditions associated with Genna is the fasting period known as the “Tsome Gahad” or Advent. This fasting period lasts for 43 days, during which participants abstain from consuming animal products and follow a diet consisting mainly of vegetables and grains. The fast is broken on the eve of Genna with a festive feast known as the “Doro Wat,” a spicy chicken stew served with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread.
Midnight Mass and Religious Observances:
The highlight of the Genna celebrations is the midnight mass, known as the “Yegena Chewata.” Churches across Ethiopia are filled with worshippers who gather to commemorate the birth of Christ through prayer, hymns, and scripture readings. The solemnity of the occasion is punctuated by the lighting of candles, the chanting of ancient liturgical melodies, and the joyful ringing of church bells at midnight to announce the arrival of Christmas day.
Genna Games and Traditions:
Following the midnight mass, Ethiopians partake in various cultural games and activities that have become synonymous with Genna celebrations. One of the most popular games is “Yegena Chewata,” a traditional form of hockey played with a curved wooden stick and a small round ball. Families and communities come together to engage in friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie.
Acts of Charity and Community Outreach:
Genna is also a time for acts of charity and compassion towards those in need. Families and individuals extend hospitality and generosity to the less fortunate by sharing meals, offering gifts, and providing assistance to those who are marginalized or vulnerable. This spirit of giving reflects the core values of empathy, solidarity, and community that are central to Ethiopian culture and tradition.
Ethiopian Christmas, or Genna, is a time of profound spiritual reflection, cultural pride, and communal celebration. It serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and resilience of the Ethiopian people, who have preserved their unique heritage and traditions for centuries. As families gather, churches resonate with hymns, and communities come together in unity, the spirit of Genna shines brightly, illuminating hearts with hope, love, and joy.
