Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Psalm 82:3

Friday, January 7, 2011

Merry Ganna!

Today, January 7, is Christmas (Ganna) in Ethiopia!  The Ethiopian calendar is a little different from ours, so today they celebrate Christ's birth.  Ganna is widely celebrated since just under half of the population are Orthodox Christians.

Twelve days later, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ.

Ganna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts in Ethiopia. If a child receives any gift at all, it is usually a small gift of clothing. Religious observances, feasting, and games are the focus of the season.  Sounds like a great way to celebrate!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like you guys are doing your homework. Hope to learn more about Ethiopia and it's culture while we wait with you for your potential child (bundle of joy).

Dad and Mom Zoet

Anonymous said...

How excited we are for your adventure. We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly. Thanks for giving us the info you have about Ethopia. It does make us more aware of the situation and country. Love to you. Big Papa and Lil Mama.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info so far about
the adoption. We are praying
for you and hope all the red tape
you have to go through will go
smooth and faster than expected
and that you'll soon have a bundle
of joy. Our love and prayers.
Grandpa & Grandma H