Ethiopian Christmas ( also known as Genna) is celebrated on January 7th , which is also 29th of Tahas on the Ethiopian calendar, unlike the 25th of December which is usually done in other countries around the world. This is due to the fact that Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church uses the ‘Julian Calendar’ for religious celebrations .
With the changes with date there are also changes in customs, every country, denomination or families varies in their ways of celebrations of this holiday. However due to Ethiopia’s deep culture and religious roots many customs differ in the western world. Ethiopian Orthodox have a 40 day ‘Advent Fast’ also known as ‘Tsome Gaga’s’. When fasting they refrain from eating any animal products. This fast ends on Christmas Eve (January 6th) at midnight. On Christmas Eve Ethiopian Christian’s gather together for a church service, which is usually longer and more intense (giving time for reflection).
Now the next day has come and it is Christmas Day, during which there are many celebrations : The Games of Genna ( it is a type of field hockey), the wearing of special clothes such as a white garment called ‘netela’ (a shawl) or ‘habesha kemis’ ( a dress for women) these clothing are usually accompanied with colorful scarves, there is also the food that are traditionally eaten such as ‘Doro Wat’ a spicy chicken stew, ‘injera’ a sour, spongy flatbread and ’T’ej’ a homemade honey wine. The rest of the day is filled with music and dancing such as ‘Eskista’ , a form of shoulder dance.
Ethiopia is a rich country filled with culture and diversity. And it being one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, it is amazing how normal customs and also religion have mixed to create this holiday, and how the traditions vary to the Western world.
