Among all feasts celebrated by Christians in the world, Meskel is unique in that it is celebrated only in Ethiopia and even with special features. Even more than being a religious feast Meskel is an opportunity for people to reunite with family. For example youth from Guraghe, Wolayita and Tigray spend the year working hard. They take annual leave on Meskel so as to spend their time with families. They carry various gifts and other important offerings to their family. This way they help themselves and families as well as in benefitting from the wealth of the nation.
Reports indicate that following the registration of Meskel as world’s heritage by the United Nations Education Science Culture Organization (UNESCO) the number of tourists has increased significantly. In addition to playing a role in promoting Meskel the registration has also played in bringing more people to attend the celebration of Meskel.
Now that it is becoming focus of attention by many it is also good to show the many values of the diverse people of Ethiopia.
Meskel is colorfully celebrated by majority of Ethiopia’s nations and nationalities. The nations and nationalities have their own respective ways of celebrating Meskel. This creates a very fascinating scene that symbolizes originality. Yet, all people do the celebration in the same date with similar colorfulness, passion. This said it is good to promote the celebration in various parts of the country so that they can also benefit from the increasing flow of tourists in the country.
Currently, Meskel is celebrated in a hot manner at Meskel square here in Addis Ababa. This nationwide celebration attracts many people both from home and abroad and somehow represents the culture of all Ethiopians. This being a good event to promote Ethiopians value to the feast, it should not cloud the many other beautiful and attractive events that take place in various parts of the country as they speak volumes about the importance the people give to the event.
If the world has to know more about the diverse and immense cultural practices that have vital place in the life of the people, it is also good to provide the necessary support to regions so that they can also hold similar celebrations that can contribute their share in further increasing the flow of tourists to the country.
Currently, the significant place that Guraghe people in South Nations and Nationalities give to Meskel is well known. Hence many people head to Guraghe zone on Meskel to participate in the magnificent celebration of the feast there.
Many other nations and nationalities in South Ethiopia like Wolayita also have unique ways of celebrating Meskel. In Tigray State, Adigrat town is showing a marked difference in celebrating Meskel. By erecting a giant cross on hill in the town, the city has added value the already rich traditional celebration of Meskel there.
Needless to say many other regions and cities of the country have variety of ways of celebrating the holiday that raises the potential for social and economic development of the respective regions. Hence, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the government as well as the private sector should focus on bringing these diverse culture to the fore.
The Ethiopian Herald Sept 28/2019
