Ethiopian Christmas facts for kids
Ethiopian Christmas (Ge'ez: ገና; Oromo: Ayaana; Tigrinya: ልደት) is a special holiday celebrated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Other Christian groups in Ethiopia, like Protestants and Catholics, also celebrate it. This holiday takes place on 7 January, which is Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar.
One unique part of Ethiopian Christmas is a traditional game that is similar to field hockey. People believe this game started with shepherds who were watching their sheep on the night Jesus was born.
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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| Type | Eastern Christian |
| Significance | Birth of Jesus |
| Celebrations |
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| Date | 7 January |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Christmas |
Contents
When is Ethiopian Christmas?
Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated on 7 January. This date is Tahsas 29 in the Ethiopian calendar. It is the day when people remember the birth of Jesus. Other churches, like the Russian Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church, also celebrate Christmas on this day.
Before Christmas, many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians follow a special diet for 43 days. This time is called Tsome Nebiyat, or the Fast of the Prophets. During this fast, people avoid all animal products like meat, milk, and eggs. They also do not drink alcohol. This fast starts on 25 November. It is believed to help cleanse the body as people get ready for the birth of Jesus.
How is Christmas celebrated?
On Christmas Day, many people wear a special thin white cotton garment. It is called a netela.
On Christmas Eve, Ethiopian Christians go to a church service that lasts all night. It usually starts around 6:00 PM and finishes at 3:00 AM. People often stand in lines around the church. They walk in a long, looping procession around the church building. These celebrations are a big community event. They show a strong commitment to faith. Many people also travel to the famous Lalibela Churches for the holiday.
Gena: The Traditional Game
Gena (Ge'ez: ገና) or Qarsa (Tigrinya: ቃርሳ) is a traditional game. It is similar to field hockey and is very popular in the Ethiopian highlands. The game is played in open spaces between villages. There are no clear boundaries for the playing field.
Two teams play this game. They try to hit a wooden ball in the air with sticks. The main goal is to stop the other team from bringing the ball to their village. Or, a team tries to score the ball in their own goal.
The game is strongly connected to the Christmas celebration on 7 January. This is why it is called Gena. Another sport, similar to rugby, is also played. In the past, Ethiopian soldiers learned how to use weapons from a young age. They practiced with games like Akandura (Darts) and Gena, which were like practicing for combat.
See also
- Meskel
- Public holidays in Ethiopia
