How the only Orthodox country in Africa celebrated Christmas. Spectacular images with centuries-old traditions
Ethiopia, one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, was once again in the spotlight as tens of millions of believers celebrated Christmas. The African country is home to one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world and has the second largest Orthodox community after Russia, while also being the only state in Africa where Orthodoxy is the official religion.
Video source: X/ @UniqueMongolia
Unlike the image of Christmas that many Europeans are used to, with elaborate decorations, red hats with pom-poms and multi-colored lights shining in fir trees, Ethiopian Christmas stands out for its simplicity and solemnity. The holiday is celebrated on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar, corresponding to the 29th Tahsas in the Ethiopian calendar.
The period leading up to Christmas is one of deep spiritual significance. The faithful observe a 43-day fast, known as Tsome Nebiyat or “The Fast of the Prophets”, according to AfricaNews. During this time, they abstain from all animal products and psychoactive substances, including alcohol, and eat only one meal a day. As of November 25, it is believed that this post “cleanse the body of sins”, giving those who respect him the chance to purify their spirit in anticipation of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
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The faithful in Ethiopia celebrated Christmas PHOTO: X/ @UniqueMongolia
Night services and candlelight processions
During the holidays, Ethiopians wear a traditional garment made of thin white cotton with colorful stripes on both ends called Netela. On Christmas Eve, called Christmas Gahad, worshipers attend a night service that usually begins around 6:00 PM and ends at 3:00 AM.
In churches, often circular in shape, people line up along the walls and start a long procession around the building, accompanied by a choir and traditional instruments such as the sistrum – a tambourine-like instrument. At this time, parishioners are given candles and follow the priest around the church, who in turn blesses them for the coming year. After circling the church twice, the faithful are separated by gender and gather around the central circle, where the priest officiates the liturgy.
Video source: X /@sacredchad_ig
Centuries-old traditions on Christmas Day too
In addition to the religious side, Christmas is also an occasion of popular celebration. A popular pastime is Yeferas Guks, a traditional sport inspired by ancient hunting customs. The game is played on horseback and involves the throwing of ceremonial spears between participants, each trying to knock their opponent off the horse.
Thus, Christmas in Ethiopia remains an impressive combination of faith, tradition and centuries-old rituals that continue to bring together tens of millions of people in the only Orthodox country in Africa.
