Fasika in Ethiopia

Fasika is the Amharic term for Easter in Ethiopia and is one of the most important holidays in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, aligning with Christian celebrations worldwide, yet distinctive due to Ethiopia's unique traditions.

History and Traditions:

• Fasika culminates a long fasting period known as Great Lent or Hudadi, which lasts for 55 days. During Hudadi, adherents follow a strict vegan diet, abstaining from all meat and dairy products.
• The holiday is based on the Julian calendar, hence it often occurs later than Easter celebrations in the Western world that follow the Gregorian calendar.
• Holy Week preceding Fasika is marked by daily church services and processions. On Maundy Thursday (Siklet), commemoration of the Last Supper takes place.
• Good Friday (Fasika Eve) sees faithful participating in church services that extend through the night. People often wear white traditional clothing called Shamma as a sign of purity.

Celebrations:

• On Fasika day, people attend early morning church services which are followed by joyous celebrations.
• Families and friends gather to share a festive meal that typically includes Doro Wot (spicy chicken stew), boiled eggs symbolizing new life, and injera (sourdough flatbread).
• Homes are often decorated with fresh grass to symbolize new beginnings and renaissance.

Activities:

• The mood is festive with singing, dancing, and expressions of joy echoing the spirit of resurrection.
• People exchange greetings of “Christos Anesti!” ("Christ is Risen!") with replies of “Alithos Anesti!” ("Truly He is Risen!").
• Gift-giving isn't central to Fasika as it might be for Christmas (Gena), but acts of kindness and sharing are encouraged in keeping with the spirit of renewal and community.

Fasika remains a time for spiritual reflection as well as communal celebration, deeply embedded in Ethiopian culture and religious practice.