(The sweet Begena, large congregation and alms giving elevating spirit)
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Similar to King David’s Harp, Ethiopian traditional instrument Begena has 10 strings. King David’s Harp is said to have therapeutic effect. As we read the book of Samuel, we learn the power of the Harp as comforting and healing King Saul. Begena too has the humming sound. It has a melancholic effect and the casting out power of evil spirit and creating peace of mind to the listener and player. The humming sound is intended to recall the suffering of Jesus Christ on one hand and peoples transgression on the other hand. The lyrics are also in the same wave length with the effect of reminiscing, repenting and telling the futility of the world. Usually, the lyrics have connotative and denotative meanings just like a pun or locally called gold and wax. Tuning to Begena or Begena songs is very popular in this long season of fasting, lent.
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I got he who found me
I followed he who called me
When he calls me from afar,
Fearful I couldn’t get near
He crossed the river to come to me
Handed me the harp lovingly (2x)
I used to live for my name
But my name was from the sky
I realized my name was from him
(Tadele Gedif —–)
For your will to happen on me,
I left everything behind
If ever there is anything left of me,
Oh, God, it can’t be more than You
O, the Kind, it can’t be more than You
For everything You say can’t be left undone
For everything You say surely happen
When I should wait for Your command, Your will
Why I am troubled then (2x)
Here after I won’t worry (2x)
Because everything You do is for Good
I will be strong since You are with me (2x)
I left everything for Your wish to rule
O father it won’t be more than You
O prince it won’t be more than You
(Deacon Tadele)
What is very distinctive about Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church is its preservation of tradition. As King David’s harp is imitated by Begena, it has also attempted to relive important deeds of Jesus as put in the scripture. The church replicates all what Lord Jesus Christ has done in his life on earth. Followers of the church are expected to imitate and live their life similar with the life of the Son of God, Jesus Christ on earth. It is mentioned in the four gospels that Jesus has fasted forty days and forty nights before he preached. Therefore, on these days faithfuls are anticipated to fast as their Lord did. It is called Abiy Tsom/The grand fasting or Hudade.
“Hudade” is a vast state farm symbolizing the lengthy fasting and participation of every Christian from children to adult as a state farm is cultivated by everyone. “Hudade” is a beautiful atmosphere of calmness; spirituality, togetherness, simple but lovely life style taking control of everyone. As this life style stretches over two months, not only Orthodox faithful participate, it also positively affects the whole population one way or another. People from other religions show solidarity and good wish to their Orthodox Christian friends, colleagues and neighbors.
Unlike anyother time, many people are seen turning their faces to churches.There are large congregations with dedicated faithfuls reciting from the scripture, singing hymns, praying and bowing. There costumes are eye-catching. After the church service, there are attempts to live up to the commandements. There is also family gathering, praying together and eating together at the end of each fasting day. It is like what David said in his psalms: “ How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” What await a fasting family is the simple foods: vegetables, lentils and related.
If this is careful seen, churches at such occasions can be a place of spiritual retreat. Many soul-searchers across the country make pligriamages and retreats to find tranqulity and religous practice. Accordingly, it promotes this season of weeping, praying and gratitude not just bring delivernace, it can also attract tourists to join the ceremony. Just like Ethiopian churches praying for peace and wellbeing of people, the nations and the world at large, people across the world may join these masses, singing of hymns and bowing along Ethiopians.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2023
