Wishing You A Merry Genna!

The Ethiopian name given to Christmas is Ledet or Genna which is also conceded world-wide by Rastafarians

ANCIENT: The water tower of Africa

NOT LONG after followers of the Gregorian calendar finished celebrating Christmas and New Year, the energetic horns of east Africa and the rhythmic sounds of nyabinghi drums echo to commence the celebration of Genna.

Ethiopia, the second oldest Christian nation in the world, still follows and acknowledges the ancient Julian calendar, where Christmas falls on January 7.

The Ethiopian name given to Christmas is Ledet or Genna (also spelt as Ganna), which is also conceded world-wide by Rastafarians who view Ethiopia as their spiritual homeland and a place to which they want to return. The name comes from the word Gennana, meaning "imminent" to express the coming of the Lord and the freeing of mankind from sin.

On the eve of Genna, Ethiopians fast all day; however some believers start fasting 40 days prior to Christmas. This pensive fasting period is known as the fast of the prophets or as Tsoma Nebiat. The fast of Advent is carried out to cleanse the body and soul in preparation for the day of the birth of Christ.

In Ethiopia, the day before Christmas thousands of pilgrims flock to Lalibela from all parts of the country and globe to prepare for Genna’s thanksgiving celebration, which simultaneously falls on the anniversary of the birthday of the ancient King Lalibela, who reigned in the 12th century.


One of the most famous kings of Africa, he is believed to have received instructions from God to create the famous 11 mystical churches that bear the soul of Ethiopia's religious heritage. The churches are seen as one of the world’s most incredible man-made creations and are said to be a lasting monument to man’s faith in God.

Pilgrims commemorate Christmas Eve by praying and chanting all night, outdoors. However, for those in the diaspora, they attend an Ethiopian Orthodox church to acknowledge this auspicious occasion.

HOUSE OF GOD: Angels on church eaves

Among the congregation both in Ethiopia and abroad are Rastafarians who align themselves with the doctrine of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith and they will also attend church to give thanks and praise for the birth of Christ albeit not all Rastas believe in Christ as their Saviour as there are many divisions within Rastafarianism.

Churchgoers traditionally attend mass dressed in white. Most Ethiopians don a traditional shamma - a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly coloured stripes running along the ends.

COLOURFUL: Woman in traditional dress

The shamma is worn similarly to a toga. Rastafarians will also wear white decorated with their famous colours “red, gold and green,” which is also part of Ethiopia’s national flag as well as other African nations.

Whether celebrating in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock or inside a modern Ethiopian Orthodox church that reflects the three concentric circle designs, the festive sermon is one of joy, giving and sharing extending beyond religious beliefs and spreading the spirit of peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind throughout the world.

Churchgoers are handed candles as they enter, and after lighting the candle, everyone walks around the church three times. They then gather in the second circle to stand throughout the long mass, with the men and boys separated from the women and girls. The center circle is the holiest space in the church, where the priest serves Holy Communion.

Everyone stands throughout the worship service for up to three hours. The clergy and Debtera (scholars versed in the liturgy and music of the church) lift their voices in hymn and chant just as it has been for over a 1,500 years when the country accepted Christianity.

In Ethiopia, this ancient rite culminates in the spectacular procession of the Tabot (the Tabot is symbolic of the Ark of the Covenant and carried on top of a priest's head). The procession makes its way three times around the church amidst ululation and chiming church bells, dazzling umbrellas and colourful attire of the clergy and Debteras, including a throng of Christians who follow the procession with lighted candles.

A FEAST FIT FOR A KING: Christmas dinner

After service, everybody goes homes to breakfast. Food and drink are plentiful, with many homes preparing special meals characteristic of all big festivities highlighted on the Ethiopian calendar.

Most celebrators indulge in doro wat and injera - doro wat is a thick, spicy stew of meat, vegetables, and sometimes eggs. The wat is served from a beautifully decorated watertight basket onto a "plate" of injera, which is flat sourdough bread. Pieces of injera are used as an edible spoon to scoop up the wat. Often, tej - a traditional wine-like drink made from honey, accompanies the feast.

Genna is quietly enjoyed in groups of close friends and family. Gift giving is a very small part of Christmas festivities amongst Ethiopians, however; small presents are exchanged with the main focus on the children.

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