Ethiopian Christmas

Ethiopian Christmas – Genna (7 January)

Ethiopia has its own calendar and time January 7th is the date that Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia and People in towns and villages typically dress up in their finest to celebrate.

Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia call Christmas Genna/Gena or Ledet which comes from the word Gennana, meaning "imminent" to express the coming of the Lord and the freeing of mankind from sin. And the holy city of Lalibela is where they’d all like to be on this religious day of celebration.

Christmas celebrations in Lalibela begin on January 5th and continue until Christmas morning January 7th. After the morning church celebrations their fasting period of 43 days ends and they are provided with food prepared for thousands. The fasting before Christmas day is to cleanse their body and souls in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many of the pilgrims flock to Lalibela in the lead up to Christmas, sleeping anywhere they can find space. When walking around you see some temporary shade shelters, but most are sleeping out in the open around the grounds nearby Laibelas rock-hewn churches. This ancient rite culminates in the spectacular procession of the Tabot (the Tabot is symbolic of the Ark of the Covenant) and carried on top of a priest's head). The procession makes its way three times around the church amidst ululation and chiming church bells, dazzling umbrellas and colorful attire of the clergy and a throng of Christians who follow the procession with lighted candles.

Afterwards, people disperse to their homes to feast and the clergy break their fast. Food served at Christmas includes Doro Wat and Injera, a spicy chicken stew eaten with the sourdough pancake-like bread. Often, tej, a local wine-like drink made from honey, accompanies the feast. Christmas is quietly shared and celebrated in groups of friends and family. Gift giving is a very small part of Christmas festivities in Ethiopia. Only small gifts are exchanged amongst family and friends at home. The joy of giving and sharing, extends beyond religious beliefs and spreads the spirit of peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind throughout the world.