Today, Ethiopians are celebrating Genna. The festive atmosphere of the day is palpable, with joy and happiness spread across the nation. They mark Genna in commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem. In preparation for the Genna festival, Ethiopians have been engaged in various traditions and rituals, homes are beautifully decorated, special meals, including the traditional dish-Doro Wot, a spicy chicken stew that is often prepared during festive season, and Injera are prepared. Families gather at the church for a night-long vigil, singing hymns and participating in prayer services. Many also choose to engage in acts of charity, giving to the less fortunate and visiting relatives and friends.
Genna, also known as Ethiopian Christmas, is a cultural and religious celebration that takes place across the country among adherents of Christianity. Like other holidays, Genna is also a unique religious and cultural day where people with their own distinct culture enjoy the true Ethiopian neighbors.
This holiday holds significant importance to Ethiopians, both living at home and the diaspora community. On the eve of Genna, it is common to see Ethiopian Orthodox Christians attending a special church service which lasts throughout the night. On which, the faithful ones will gather at churches, dressed in traditional white clothing and engage in hymn singing, prayer and scripture reading.
What is more, Genna is also a special time for family gatherings and exchange of gifts. Relatives and friends visit each other, extend well wishes and share meals together. Ethiopians, unlike the Western culture, mark the day with their unique and distinctive style integrating their age-old cultural and religious values. This is due to the reason that Ethiopia is an ancient country and among the countries that accepted Christianity in the early period.
Blending the traditional cultural practices together with religious values Ethiopians are best in marking the day colorfully. This is especially true among followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox church who spend about 43 days fasting. During which Ethiopian believers abstain from consuming any animal products, including meat, dairy products and eggs. This period of fasting, which is commonly called, “Fast of Prophets” is an essential part of the spiritual preparation for the festival of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance Genna has also economic significance to promote local business and stimulate the Ethiopian economy. In the weeks leading up to Genna, people engage in shopping for traditional clothing, food, and gifts for celebration. This increased economic activity supports the livelihoods of artisans, small traders, and small farmers whose products are in high demand during this time.
Nuhamin Tekola is a young business woman here in Addis Ababa. This journalist meets her at bazaar opened around Arat Kilo bazar selling Christmas gifts and hand woven traditional costumes. Nuhamin is a single mom who always gives priority to her daughter. As a young mother, she always has a custom of sending gifts to her parents and marking holidays colorfully. For this reason, she does not want to miss such chances that can generate money to her. According to her, holidays like Genna are a Godsend opportunities for the reason that allows exposure for her items and increases the number of customers who love to buy her products.
“Holidays and festivals are harvest seasons to me and my friends. They are the best seasons to sell our products. One or two days before the actual holiday, customers frequently visit bazaars and this will give us [retailers] the chance to sell more goods than the usual days. This encourages us to be more active in the business and support our families.”
Beside its economic significance, the moral and ethical teachings during Genna holiday have also significant place among Ethiopians. This is because Genna serves as an opportunity to reflect the life and teachings of Jesus Christ: compassion, forgiveness, and helping the less fortunate. It encourages individuals to engage in acts of charity and kindness by distributing food, clothing and gifts to the underprivileged.
This journalist had also a chance to interview Mengestu Alem, a civil servant here in Addis Ababa. For Mengestu, marking holidays goes beyond eating special food and adorned with traditional costumes. It seeks compassion and stretching hands to those who are in need of help. “Whenever holiday arrives, it is not the special food I may consume on the day, or the kinds of new costume I may wear that bother me. It is what I can share with the underprivileged individuals on the streets of Addis or in my village that concern me most. This is because of the reason that Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection remind me of His deeds, moral teachings, compassion and humbleness.”
He also said, like other holidays, Genna has special value in uniting Ethiopians to share common cultures and sustain togetherness. “All the cultural practices performed during the day have a power to deepen Ethiopianism. To mention one, the communal aspect of food is highly valued in Ethiopian culture. Families and friends gather around a large, shared plate, eating with our hands from communal dishes. This communal dining experience promotes togetherness, as everyone sits together, shares food and engages in lively conversations.”
Certainly, Ethiopia as a country accepted Christianity early (in the 4th century AD) Genna has a special place among the majority. This is particularly true for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) that serves as an umbrella for preserving religious and cultural values of Ethiopia. As the country aspires to achieve economic prosperity and ensure political stability, the role of special holidays have key role in sharing common value systems and work for common goods.
Ethiopia as a land where different religious and cultural values are exercised in harmoniously, it serves as mosaic of cultural and religious tolerance. The strong sense of pride among Ethiopians that emanates from valuing their traditional values, defending their country from foreign aggression and marking holidays together are manifestations of true Ethiopian identities.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald JANUARY 7 / 2024
