Timket - Feast of Epiphany
Timket, feast of Epiphany, is the greatest festival of the year, falling on 19th January, less than two weeks after the Ethiopian Christmas. It is a three-day affair, beginning on the eve of Timket with dramatic and colorful processions. The following morning, the great day itself, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist is commemorated. The third day is devoted to the feast of St. Michael, the Archangel, one of Ethiopia’s most popular Saints.
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Enormous efforts are put into the occasion. Tij and Tella (Ethiopian mead and beer) are brewed, special bread is baked, and sheep are fattened for slaughter. Gifts are prepared for the children and new clothes purchased or old clothes mended and laundered. Everyone – men, women and children – appears resplendent for the three – day celebration. |
On the eve of 18 January, Ketera, the priests remove the Tabots from each church and bless the water of the pool or river where the next day’s celebration will take place. It is the Tabot (symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments) rather than the church building which is consecrated and accorded extreme reverence.