BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The harmonious existence of Ethiopians manifests itself in various forms. Several cultural practices and religious holidays are best manifestations of this harmonious coexistence. Escorting Tabot on the eve of Timket (Ketera) to its temporary place and bringing it back to the church the next day with ecclesiastical songs is always accompanied by love, tolerance, humbleness and generosity.
The Ethiopian Epiphany which was celebrated yesterday colorfully all over the country is a showcase to prove this claim. Beside its religious values the Ethiopian Epiphany has cultural meaning where the multitude adorned with colorful, breathtaking traditional costumes.
Whenever the feast of Timket arrives, the faithful Christians (from the little children to senior citizens) are seen decorating themselves with traditional attires that reflect Ethiopian culture. Since Tabot, which represents the replica of the Ark of the Covenant, is venerated by all Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, decency is one peculiar feature of the event. For this reason, the dressing code, which is well respected and implemented by all the faithful Christian Orthodox followers, is given special attention and everyone, especially women, are seen on the day wearing well-designed, attractive and eye-catching traditional costumes.
Ethiopian Epiphany is not simply a religious or cultural program which is marked by multitude. It is a manifestation of Ethiopian uniqueness, unity in harmony and a living witness that Ethiopia is a land of antiquity that preserves its value systems and practices, humbleness and humility; which was one of the deeds of Jesus Christ while he was baptized at the River Jordan. Indeed baptism is all about humbleness and showing humility.
On his Timket best wish to Ethiopians, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that, baptism is a celebration with many meanings. On the one hand, the day signifies humility, to proclaim faith in God, and to find repentance and salvation. On the other hand, the celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany has a great meaning for every one of us to mark the day in unity.
Abiy said, baptism and humility are two sides of a single coin. Baptism is the day when the Creator is baptized by his creatures; the Lord by his servant. Epiphany is the occasion when he came down from his high place and became human, showed humility from his position of lordship, and taught humility to mankind. The humbleness, John the Baptist showed in the baptism ceremony, is another good example of humility. The obedience and humbleness he reflected while baptizing Jesus is a good lesson to all humankind.
The Prime Minister also said: “Epiphany is more than a religious program to Ethiopians. It is also a time where we practice our cultural values. It is a special event where the multitude- from Gondar to Harar; from Mekele to Bale, from Jimma to Mettema- enjoy age-old Ethiopian cultural values. Not only that, but it is also a time where people are seen visiting relatives and social life is magnified. The various traditional costumes together with cultural songs give the day additional taste.
Equally, Timket is an answer to those people who do not know about Ethiopia. Every religious practice and cultural activities that are performed during Timket tells the world who Ethiopians are.
Moreover, he indicated that every year, tourists come to Ethiopia from all over the world, including Israel, where the Jordan River is located today. “As it is a great day that attracts local and foreign visitors, we gain economic benefits from Epiphany. Along with this, one truth we should know is that Ethiopian holidays are the holidays of all Ethiopians,” he said, adding that whether we believe in the faith or not, the festival belongs to all of us as citizens.
Indeed, as it was also indicated by Culture and Sport Minister, Kejela Merdassa, Ethiopian Epiphany is a special event that unites Ethiopians and brings them together to a single spot so as to share their common values. According to him, the Timket festival is an important celebration that strengthens the unity of the Ethiopian people.
The Minister also pointed out that Ethiopia is endowed with immense cultural, religious and historical heritages, of which Timket (the Ethiopian Epiphany) is one.
The Ethiopian Epiphany is inscribed among Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity by UNESCO in 2019 attracts many tourists to the country.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 20 JANUARY 2023
