Meskel

Meskel Celebration

Meskel is an annual religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and among members of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Celebrated on the 17th of Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (which corresponds to September 27 in the Gregorian calendar, or on September 28 in leap years), Meskel commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena (Saint Helena) in the fourth century. Meskel has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

History

The history of Meskel dates back over 1,600 years. The festival is rooted in the Christian legend that Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, found the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to tradition, in her quest to find the Cross, Helena was advised to light a bonfire and follow the smoke to its location. The smoke led her to Jerusalem where she found the Cross buried. To commemorate this event, bonfires are lit during the Meskel celebration, symbolizing the actions of Helena.

Celebration

The Meskel festival is marked by the lighting of a massive bonfire known as "Demera". The Demera is set on the eve of Meskel and is accompanied by songs, dances, and the ringing of church bells. This event gathers thousands of people who come to witness the lighting of the bonfire and participate in the festivities. The fire is blessed by the clergy, and after it burns down, the faithful use the ashes to make the sign of the cross on their foreheads. The direction in which the bonfire collapses is also interpreted as an omen for the coming year.

In addition to the Demera, the Meskel celebration includes religious services, processions, and the decoration of streets and homes with Meskel daisies, which bloom at the time of the festival. The holiday also involves the preparation and sharing of traditional foods and drinks.

Cultural Significance

Meskel is not only a religious observance but also a cultural event that strengthens community bonds and Ethiopian identity. It is a time for families to gather, for reconciliation, and for the expression of unity and joy. The festival also plays a significant role in promoting Ethiopian culture and tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.

UNESCO Recognition

In 2013, Meskel was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the festival's importance in promoting cultural diversity and human creativity, as well as its role in fostering social cohesion and sustainability.

See Also

• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• True Cross
• Intangible Cultural Heritage

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