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Meskel, celebrated on September 27th (or September 28th in leap years), is one of the major religious festivals in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian calendar. It commemorates the finding of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, according to Christian belief.
The festival is rooted in a historical event dating back to the 4th century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, said to have found the True Cross in Jerusalem. Legend narrates that she had a revelation in a dream instructing her to light a fire and follow its smoke to find the sacred cross buried under ashes. The celebration's name, "Meskel," translates to "cross" in Ge'ez, an ancient Ethiopian language.
Demera: The central feature of Meskel is the lighting of a massive bonfire called "Demera" on Meskel Eve. This bonfire is made from branches and decorated with daisies prior to being set ablaze. The direction of the falling embers is often interpreted as an omen for future events.
Religious Services: Special church services are held during Meskel, where attendees wear traditional white clothing and congregate around the Demera. Prayers and hymns are part of these services.
Feasts: Families come together to share meals that typically include traditional Ethiopian foods such as injera (flatbread) and wat (stew).
Processions: Colorful processions take place through streets with people carrying torches, singing, and dancing.
On Meskel Day itself:
Community members gather at public spaces or churches for communal Demera ceremonies.
Participants bring yellow daisies known as "Meskel flowers" to adorn the bonfire structure.
The day is marked by feasting at home with family after attending church services.
People exchange greetings and well-wishes, making it a time for social cohesion and renewal.
The festival not only serves as a religious observance but also symbolizes unity and harmony among Ethiopians. It has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
