Festivals have always been a big deal amongst Africans. It is a way by which black communities across the globe protect and promote their rich cultures to the entire world.
The act, as old as the dawn of civilization, has gradually spread across the globe, especially in the Caribbean.
Timkat is a festival that celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. The festival which is modeled after the Ark
of the Covenant is known for its ritual re-enactment of baptism which is performed by numerous Christian pilgrims. After the parade by devotees, the priest sprinkles blessed water on the ground in the midst of a jubilant crowd.
Pilgrims come from far and wide to take part in the festival and witness the re-enactment of the baptism. All over the country large crowds assemble as the religious festivities commence, with spectacular processions, song, dance and prayer.
The festival lasts for three days and is at its most colourful in the capital, Addis Ababa, where everyone gets involved in the celebrations. The religious ceremony commences on the first day when models of the Ark of
the Covenant, called Tabots, are carried to the river in a procession led by the most senior priest of each church, who carry the arks on top of their heads.
At dawn the water is blessed and sprinkled on the participants, some of whom jump in the water to renew their baptismal vows. The Tabot symbolises the Ark of the Covenant and the tablets describing the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai to serve as the core principles of the moral behaviour for humanity.
The second day of Timkat marks the main celebrations, with Orthodox Ethiopians from every segment of society merrily march through the streets in a riot of colour, singing, dancing and feasting. All but one of the Tabots are returned to their respective churches.
On the third day of Timk
at, known as the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the Tabot of St. Michael’s Church is returned, accompanied by a procession of priests and believers.
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