Ethiopia is one of the most multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country where dozens of varied religious and cultural festivals are entertained warmly.
Holidays, in the country, are marked with special ceremonies, preparation of food and drinks, wearing beautifully and uniquely with own culture and taste, because some holidays need different types of rituals, preparations and celebration centering on their social, religious or cultural significance to the communities.
For many Ethiopians, holiday celebrations are coined with the tantalizing smell of baking bread and injera, roasted coffee along with incense burning, the smell of firewood and smoke rising from many households, the loud songs of church and mosque goers, the busy open markets and the noise of chicken and sheep on the streets. Owing to these and other reasons, holidays in Ethiopia are always important occasions that have special place in the mind and heart of the communities.
Tomorrow, Ethiopians will celebrate Fasika, (Easter), a holiday which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and has special meaning among the followers of Christianity. After fasting almost for close to two months, Ethiopian Christians will mark the festival warmly. And today being on the eve of the holiday, they are preparing to observe the day with new moods and positive vibes, of course in a manner taking into consideration those unfortunate citizens who are in need of support.
For Ethiopian Christians, Easter is the most sacred of all the holidays. During the fasting season, which is 55 days, participants will abstain/refrain from consuming any meat, dairy or animal byproduct. They pray for the peacefulness of their country, the wellbeing of their own and family members.
On the eve of Easter night, devotees go to churches to attend a liturgy program which would be carried out in the whole night. It is after that they break their fast and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Easter is an important festival for almost all Ethiopian Christians. The festival has both spiritual and social importance. I personally value the Easter festival dearly”, said Meseret Mergia, resident of Addis Ababa, Nifas Silk Lafto Sub City, Sefera village.
In her short stay with The Ethiopian Herald, Meseret said that, on Easter day, her family members would come to visit her which gives her an extra energy and adds special positive vibes to the event. According to her, fasting and attending church processions on holidays is an old practice. Listening to a ten-stringed box-lyre instrument Begena hymn has a refreshing power to the soul.
“Each year, I spend the night of Easter eve at the church. When I turn back home at 3:00 p.m, which signals the resurrection of Jesus from death, I break my fasting and my soul rejoices.”
Responding to the query about how she prepares herself to spend the day with families and neighbors, she said: “As usual I plan to mark the day with my beloved families and neighbors sharing what I have. This includes enjoying the traditional food and having coffee together.”
Emebet Fisha is from Addis Ababa. She is the follower of Protestant religion. According to her, Easter is a moment where she and her family enjoy the cozy dish of Doro wot aside from its spiritual value.
“I love the Easter holiday for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is that, it is a time where everyone witnessed the mighty power of God through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I also enjoy the special service and the sermon at the church.
“The resurrection is a victory for every believer. Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and raised on the third day, according to the scriptures.”
According to her, Easter has its unique color and taste for every Ethiopian Christian. Depending on their culture, some Ethiopian ethnic groups start the preparation for this special occasion weeks before the actual day.
Almost all families will be involved in the time-consuming task of preparing traditional food and drinks. “I used to take part in that kind of moment but the urban living style had impacted it; not to sustain the same way.”
As Doro stew (a spicy chicken stew) is the most traditional food served by families during Easter, I also prepare it using all the required spices and share with my family and friends, she remarked.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian herald April 23/2022
