Today, January 19th, twelve days after Ganna, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat. This holiday commemorates the baptism of Christ. Children walk to church services in a procession wearing crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The grown-ups wear the shamma, with the priests wearing their red and white robes and carrying embroidered fringed umbrellas.
To make the holiday festive the playing of music by Ethiopian instruments allows everyone to sing and dance together. The sistrum is a percussion instrument with tinkling metal disks. A long, T-shaped prayer stick called a makamiya taps out the walking beat and also serves as a support for the priest during the long church service that follows. Church officials called dabtaras study hard to learn the musical chants, melekets, for the ceremony.
Ethiopian men play another sport called yeferas guks. They ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other.
To make the holiday festive the playing of music by Ethiopian instruments allows everyone to sing and dance together. The sistrum is a percussion instrument with tinkling metal disks. A long, T-shaped prayer stick called a makamiya taps out the walking beat and also serves as a support for the priest during the long church service that follows. Church officials called dabtaras study hard to learn the musical chants, melekets, for the ceremony.
Ethiopian men play another sport called yeferas guks. They ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other.
Move your neck according to the music ~Ethiopian Proverb
Love and joy and kindness towards people while celebrating the walk that Jesus took on our behalf does radiate an energy level that is most impressive. Both videos indicate some of the traits of the culture that comes with your daughter, one of happiness just being alive and the ability to celebrate life's gifts with great enthusiasm. There will be "Dancing in the Streets!"
ReplyDelete