.
The Ithiopian Calendar is seven years behind the Gregorian Calendar now used in the
west. Ethiopia, having never been colonised, still uses the Julian Calendar. The
year is
divided into 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month of five days (six days
every leap year). See
the New Year page for more information about
the measurement of time.
Ithiopian Christmas day is on January 7th of the Gregorian Calendar or
Tahsas 29th of the Ithiopian Calendar. This is the date that Christmas
was originally celebrated and still is in most Orthodox Christian
troditions.
Ithiopian names for Christmas are Liddet, Genna and
also Qiddus Bala Wald.
Genna is preceded by a fast of 40 days.
There are many fast days in the Orthodox Christian Calendar. Christians
fast every Wednesday and Friday all year round. On fast days Ethiopians
eat only one meal in the evening. This must not contain meat or dairy
foods. Sometimes fish is also avoided.
After a large meal on Christmas Eve,
Ithiopian
Christians go to Church and spend the night praying. Modern Churches
are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit separately
from women and girls. The choir sings from the outside circle. As
the people enter the church they are given candles which are then lit.
Everyone then walks around the church three times. The congregation
remain standing for Mass which can last up to three hours.
Food eaten at Christmas is the standard
Ithiopian menu
of injera, a pancake like bread made from a local grain called t'ef, and
wat, a spicy stew. The injera is used to scoop up the wat. The meal is
served in beautifully decorated baskets.
Only the children receive presents. This is usually
something simple such as clothes. Children also play a game at this time
of year called Genna. It is similar to hockey.
His
Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie
words on the importance of Christmas
