Lalibela, located in Ethiopia, is home to a remarkable group of churches that were carved into solid rock during the reign of King Lalibela in the 12th century. These churches have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and continue to attract millions of Christians as a pilgrimage destination each year. The architectural wonder of these churches serves as a testament to Ethiopia's deep-rooted connection to Christianity and its distinctive religious practices, making it an important historical and spiritual site.
One of the most significant events for Ethiopian Christians is the celebration of Orthodox Christmas, known as "Lidet," which is observed on January 7th. This festival, lasting for three days, is filled with religious ceremonies, prayer services, and family gatherings. It brings together believers from all over Ethiopia and across the world. During this time, many worshippers travel to Lalibela to attend church services and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, reinforcing Ethiopia’s strong and enduring Christian identity.
Among the visitors to Lalibela was Samuel Choi, a tourist from Hong Kong, who was deeply moved by the cultural richness of the celebrations. He commented, "You have such a wonderful, rich heritage. It’s very unique in the world. There are no other places where I can feel this free, where everyone gathers for one reason — to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I'm thrilled and happy to be here in Ethiopia."
For Ethiopians like Masresha Misgana, attending the Orthodox Christmas service in Lalibela is a yearly tradition that brings them closer to their country’s religious history. Misgana explained, “King Lalibela built these churches in the 12th century, establishing a second Jerusalem in Africa. Every year, Christians come to visit this second Jerusalem to celebrate the birth of Christ, and we joyfully participate in the festivities.”
The Orthodox Christmas celebrations are not just about faith; they are also about preserving centuries-old traditions. John Mike, a tourist from Jamaica, reflected on the historical significance of the event: “The clothes, instruments, and traditions here have remained largely unchanged for centuries. It feels like we are stepping back in time. Lalibela is a place where the ancient and modern worlds come together.”
In Ethiopia, the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. This explains why Ethiopian Christians observe Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th, as is customary for Catholic and Protestant Christians.
The holiday is marked by vibrant religious rituals, including a midnight mass, followed by family feasts where traditional foods are served. In many households, animals such as goats and cattle are slaughtered as part of the celebrations, symbolizing the joy and communal spirit of the occasion.
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