Ethiopian Meskel

The clergy and Debtera lift their voices in hymn and chant just as it has been for over a 1,500 years when Ethiopia accepted Christianity.  This ancient rite culminates in the spectacular procession of the Tabot 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 colorful attire of the clergy and Debteras as well as a throng of Christians who follow the procession with lighted candles. 

 

Meskel (Geez መስቀል) is an annual religious holiday in Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman Empress Helena in the fourth century. Meskel occurs on September 27 or on 28 September in leap year the month marked the end of the rains, the resumption of work, and the reopening of communications.

Demera-procession takes place in the early evening the day before Meskel in which bonfires are built topped by cross to which decorated with daisies flowers. The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church orchestrates the lightening ceremony. After the bonfires are blessed they are lit and dancing and singing begins around them. Priests in full ceremonial dress sing around the bonfire. While the Demera is set on fire there is an inner feeling of brightness for all those who are around it. Little Demera are also built at individual houses or villages. After some time, splinters from the bundles of burning wood collapse. Which direction it fall is very significant: north, south, east or west Interpretations are soon conjectured as to whether the fields of grain are going to be plentiful or not or there is peace all year round, etc.  At the closing of the Demera, a rain shower is expected to fall to help put the fire out. If the rain falls and the fire is extinguished, there is a belief that the year will be prosperous.

The day after the Demera is Meskel. This day is observed with plenty of food and drink as believers go to the spot of the Demera and, using ashes from the fire, mark their heads with the sign of the cross. The festival coincides with the mass blooming of the golden yellow Meskel daisies. The best place to see the Meskel Festival is in the capital Addis Ababa at the famous Meskel Square. But all along the Historic route (Bahir Dar, Gonder, Axum, and Lalibela) and in other major towns, Meskel is colorfully celebrated.

Meskel Festival Photo Gallery

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