Aelafat Zimare from Bole Medhanialem

"Redemption of the whole world" Bethlehem symbol 

#Ethiopia The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church with different events. 

Followers of the faith who travel to the place from all over Ethiopia traditionally celebrate the birthday at Lalibela. The local parishioners and the church servants welcome the guests by washing their feet.

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in Saint Lalibela as "Redemption of the whole world". "Beza kulu amal" means the cure of the whole world. According to the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, it is called the Redemption of the Whole World because it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Redeemer of the whole world. 

On the morning of his birthday, in one of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the priests sing from above and below.

The priests above represent the angels, and those on the ground represent the shepherds. As they were the shepherds who first knew the birth of Christ and the local shepherds who grew up being told the tradition, they also celebrate the festival in a different way. 

Early Christians used to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. It is said that most of the journey was on foot, so it was very tiring and many were left on the road. 

Historians say that Saint Lalibela, who was concerned about the wanderings of the faithful, when many of them were unable to walk due to illness and old age, were unable to partake of the blessings, and because of the mistreatment they faced on the way, he built the Second Jerusalem to replace Jerusalem in Ethiopia. Churches of St. Lalibela are built with the names and images of the places in Jerusalem. 

As a result, when believers go to St. Lalibela parish to greet and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, they believe that they go to Jerusalem and greet Bethlehem, so the birthday is celebrated more brightly in St. Lalibela parish than in other areas.  

Saint Lalibelam's birthday is December 29 and it is an additional holiday. As the fathers of the church say, Saint Lalibela believed in his earthly and heavenly mission, so his birthday on this day makes the day even brighter. Therefore, all the fortunate people go to the place celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and on their way they think of Saint Lalibela and his wonderful works.

In the days when there were no transportation options like today, most of the devotees did not travel on foot to celebrate. This is because they believe that their hard work and suffering is done by loving their God.

As a result, many local and foreign devotees travel to Lasta to celebrate the spiritual festival. The festival has religious, spiritual, traditional, cultural, economic and national significance. 

The celebration will be accompanied by 670 priests who serve in the area and more than 500 priests who serve in local churches. 

According to the teacher, the festival started to be celebrated in this way 900 years ago. From December 23rd to December 28th, it is always 2:00 p.m., when the ceremonial bell is rung and followed by a service. On the eve of the birthday, the Mahlet ceremony is held from around 1:30, and what makes this Mahlet special is that it has its own color and melody, and the whole night of singing and dancing. Starting from 10 o'clock in the night, Mass will be held in all eleven temples. 

At one o'clock in the morning, priests lining up at the top and bottom take their places and greet each other until 4 o'clock, singing 'Beza Kulu Aamdal Yom Tewolde' (Today the Redeemer of the World is born). It is said that what makes the celebration of the festival special in St. Lalibela is the singing of "Beza Kulu Aamold". 

Renovated by Lemi