Ganna: Ethiopian Christmas Celebrations
Why January 7th?
Christmas in Ethiopia is celebrated on January 7th because they follow the Julian calendar.
- Julian calendar runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world follows.
Ganna: Christmas Game
Around the time of Ganna, the men and boys play a game that is also called ganna. It's played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball, a bit like hockey.
What is Genna?
Traditions
- Genna or Ganna is Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Christmas
- It is celebrated on January 7th
- Genna Festival is celebrated on every 05- 08 January after a 40 days fasting among Orthodox Christians.
- Most people go to church on Christmas day.
- Many people take part in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas. (Nov. 25th-Jan. 7th) --> No meat, dairy, egg, nor wine.
- People dress in traditional white shawl/toga called Netela
- Mass from 6:00PM Christmas Eve to 3:00 AM Christmas Day
Food
Traditional Christmas foods in Ethiopia include 'wat' which is a thick and spicy stew that contains meat, vegetables and sometimes eggs (sounds yummy!). Wat is eaten on a plate of 'injera' - a flat bread. Pieces of the injera are used as an edible spoon to scoop up the wat.
Church Celebrations
- Everyone who goes to church is given a candle to hold.
- Men and women are separated during the service.
- There usually is a choir that sings throughout the service.
- It is believed that one of the Wise Men that visited Jesus