Ethiopian Christmas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ethiopian Christmas |
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Vigil lightening at Lalibela during Christmas
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| Observed by |
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| Significance | Birth of Jesus |
| Celebrations |
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| Date | 7 January |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Christmas |
The Ethiopian Christmas (Amharic: ገና) is celebrated by the Ethiopian Orthodox, Eritrean Orthodox as well as the Protestant and Catholic denomination in Ethiopia on 7 January (Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar). The Ethiopian Christmas has distinct feature which is the traditional hockey game long associated with the holiday. It is believed that shepards tending their flocks on the night Jesus was born.
Christians should fast 43 days that is known as Tsome Nebiyat or the Fast of the Prophets. They must abstain from diary products and alcoholic drinks. People worn netela cloth and attend church services at night. In Lalibela, pilgrimages are made to its renowned churches.
Overview
The Ethiopian Christmas, also called Genna is celebrated on 7 January (Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar) as the day of Jesus birth, alongside Russian, Greek, Eritrean and Serbian Orthodox Church. It also celebrated by Protestant and Catholic denomination of the country. One of district features in the Ethiopian Christmas is there is traditional game similar to hockey. The game believed to evolved by shepherds tending their flocks on the night Jesus was born.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians should fast for 43 days, which also known as Tsome Nebiyat or the Fast of the Prophets. Fasting also includes abstaining from alcohol and meat. Since 25 November, the fast believed to be "cleansing the body of sin" in front of Jesus Christ.
Festivities
In Christmas, white cotton made thin garment also called netela is worn. On the eve of Christmas, Ethiopian Christians attend overnight church service, usually starting around 6 pm and finishing 3 am. People surround a church in lineup and begin a long looping procession around the circumference of the church. The festivities are communal experience and a commitment of faith. The holiday attracts pilgrimages to renowned Lalibela Churches.
