As we await bringing a little one into our family, we try to consider more and more what that will look like and how we can incorporate more cultural aspects into our family. We were reading a book that specifically described each of the cultural traditions practiced by different countries surrounding Christmas and of course were very interested in the celebrations found within Ethiopia. Below is a summary of what we found.In the Ethiopian Coptic church, Ganna, or Christmas, is celebrated on January 7th. The celebration takes place in Ethiopia's ancient rectangular churches carved, over 800 years ago, from solid volcanic rock. Men and boys sit separately from girls and women. The choir sings from outside the circle. The second circle, or holy place, is for the congregation. Holy Communion is served in the innermost circle, the sanctuary. Following a day of fasting, everyone attending the early-morning mass wears white. People receive candles as they enter the church. After lighting the candles everyone walks around the church three times.
Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration call Timkate, which commemorates the baptism of Christ. the children walk to church services in a procession. They wear the crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The grown-ups wear the shamma. The priests will now wear their read and white robes and carry embroidered fringed umbrellas.
Christmas food in Ethiopia usually includes injera, a sourdough pancake like bread that can be easily cooked over an open fire. Injera serves as both plate and fork.
Ganna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts in Ethiopia. If a child receives any gift at all, it is usually a small gift of clothing. Religious observances, feasting, and games are the focus of the season.
Melkm Ganna, or Good Christmas!
