May 21, 2009 | Dates: Jan-Jun, Important Dates
January 7th
Members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church fast on Christmas Eve before gathering outdoors to pray and chant.
They then move into churches for mass, which can last for over 3 hours. Ethiopians rarely give gifts other than small items such as clothing to children.
After the service is over Ethiopians enjoy dancing, playing sport and feasting on injera wot. Genna field hockey (after which Christmas is named), is sometimes played by males.]]>
May 21, 2009 | Dates: Jan-Jun, Important Dates
January 19th
The three day festival of Timket begins 12 days after Genna, celebrating the baptism of Christ.
Ethiopians wear traditional white garments and priests wear red and white ornate robes and carry embroidered umbrellas.
The sistrum (percussion instrument) tinkles, the prayer stick (makamlya) is used to tap out the walking beat and the church officials chant melekets. Sometimes Ethiopian males play yeterais guks (throwing of ceremonial lances whilst on horseback).]]>