Orthodox Christmas Day in Eritrea

In Eritrea, Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th according to the Julian calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar's December 25th. The majority of Christians in Eritrea belong to the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which follows the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar.

History and Traditions

The historical roots of Orthodox Christianity in Eritrea trace back to early Christian traditions brought to the region through various interactions with Near Eastern and Mediterranean Christian communities. Over time, these traditions became deeply integrated into Eritrean culture.

On Orthodox Christmas Day, people engage in various religious and cultural practices:

• Religious Services: The day is marked by church services that often begin the night before. Devotees participate in all-night vigils and masses which include traditional chanting and prayers.

• Fasting: Leading up to Christmas, many adherents observe a period of fasting known as Tsome Gahad (Advent), refraining from eating meat and dairy products.

• Feasting: On Christmas Day, after attending church services, families celebrate with a feast that breaks the fast. Traditional dishes often include foods like injera (a sourdough flatbread), doro wat (chicken stew), and lamb dishes.

• Social Gatherings: Families and friends come together to share meals and exchange greetings. It is a time for unity and reconciliation.

• Gift-Giving: While not as commercialized as in some other cultures, gift-giving can be part of the celebration but usually focuses on sharing with those less fortunate.

Overall, Orthodox Christmas Day in Eritrea is a blend of solemn religious observance and joyful family celebrations reflecting the deep historical roots of Christianity in the region.