BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Timket or Epiphany is an annual commemration of the baptism of the Son of God, Jesus Christ in the rever Jordan. Though it is known in every sect of christianity, the rememberance of this quintessential happening is seen given magnitude in Eastern Orthodox churches. From the eastern Orthodox churches, Ethiopia, having larger number of faithfuls, celebrates the day colorfully as it has already adapted it to its culture. Timket or Epiphany is a vibrant holyday across Ethiopia but there is a typical place many people relate this festivity to; Gondar. As Christmas is linked with Lalibela, Timket/epiphany is associated with Gondar. Gondar sustained to fascinate visitors and the special Timket celebration is among the factors that is attracting local and international tourist influx to the town. But have you ever asked what makes Gondarian Timket/ Epiphany special?
Gondar ,serving as capital in the beginning of modern Ethiopia, has been center of many aspects of the country. One of the major features of the country, religion had huge role in the affairs of the state. Religion had been a strong tool of governance and a symbol of unity at that time. Gondarians were known for being ardent followers of the orthodox faith. What they did to King Susneyous when he attempted to change the state religion from Orthodox to Catholic is symbolic even to this day. Therefore, this history has made the people to be vigilant and passionate about their faith ever since. The successor King Fasildes built impressive castles that is currently drawing many tourists to the town. Among these castles, Fasildes’ Bath pool is reserved for Timket celebration. This is one of difference you would witness when you celebrate the holyday in Gondar town. In all corners of the country and the capital Addis Ababa, Timket is celebrated in an open field with a makeshift stage and artificial pools. The Gondar celebration however is unique as it is held in Fasiledes Bath, a compound where there is eye-catching room that houses different Tabots or Tsellat / a sacred replica of the Ark of the covenant during the celebration. There is also a swimming bath celebrants actually immerse themselves in a water as Jesus Christ did in the river Jordan.
Second, Timket in Gondar lets everyone to particpate at least in one of the activities. There are different groups based on age, gender, lifestyle or status in the church. Members of the clergy who aren’t among those who carry the ark gather and perform their unique religious songs and praises. Sunday school students also sing different hymns or spiritual songs befitting the occassion. Women sing religious and cultural songs together and accompany the celebration with their ululation. The youths, adult males, elderly and people who aren’t active members of the church won’t be left alone. Either they accompany one of the groups or form other groups to contribute their share for the liveness vibe of the town.
Cultural authencity is a significant component of Timket celebration in Gondar. Youths who live adjacent to the town appear at the eve of the celebration decorating themselves with unique traditional costumes, carrying long sticks and riding horses. The town starts erupting with their cultural dancing. The songs praise heroism, beauty and good manner. They give praise to the Lord that raises patriots, God-fearing and beautiful people in their land. Everyone, from a child to senior people, is part of the festivity. Mothers say their prayers to Saint Mary. Through their songs they praise God who let them witness th special day. They also pray to God to keep them alive and allow them see next Timket. And, there are sayings that encourage people to particpate and to own the celebration for themselves. They say” Le timket yalhone kemis yebetates/ A dress(a Sunday best) that isn’t put on for epiphany wear away. Accordingly, most people appear with best outfits duringn the holyday. It is also a show of respect to the guardian angels and Lord Jesus. Like the David who danced seeing the ark of covenant, the faithful are by no means reserved to sing, to conduct a spiritual dance and bow before the passing replicas of the ark of covenant. The song “ye zarew kurat lemanw”/ What is today’s pride for? meaning it is for God you are singing so be humble and praise the Lord. For this reason people in procession clap their hands, sing along the leaders in resp group or contribute lyrics that praise God, St. Mary, angels and martyers. The participation of everyone makes the holday vibrant and exciting to watch.
Religious fathers, elders and mothers have commanding power during the celebration. Anything that isn’t religious is often criticized and usually doesn’t sustain long. The youths’ reverance to their elders helped the celebration to maintain its originality and religous flavor.
Gondar is also an imporant city to the teaching of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church having 44 churches and notable religous scholars. There are religious scholars who created hymns and unique religious performances. Accordingly, for this alone there are clergies who come from other teaching places like Gojjam, Akusm and other places to witness this performance. Like Lalibela Christmas celebration, clergies circle the Fasildes bath, in a syncretic manner move their bodies and sticks gracefully in tune with exquisite hymn. This event has also captures the attention of tourists as it is not strange to see would see them particpating despite the cold weather early in the morning.
Epiphany these days have become an opportune time as many religious and social themes are conveyed through placards, sculptures and songs. The typical song “Ethiopia Selamshe Yebza,” Ethiopia let your peace thrive is loudly sung.
Overall, it is a blessing, a gift from history, culture and public cohesion for Gondarian Timket to appear special. The event isn’t something to be seen easily. Because of this colorful event, a season is created to pay homage to Fasilides Castle, the Semien Mountain and other riches of Gondar. There are times over 20 flights from Addis Ababa to Gondar are conducted. Hotels are booked ahead of the event. As it is changing the town with the influx of local and international tourists, it is also generating income to the nation. The takeway from this festivity for me is always the power faith, public cohesion and pride on one’s own culture. //
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 2023
