| Conjure up the image of an area half the size of a
football ground and, within it, twenty or more groups of between twelve and
twenty people: each group singing a different song, each performing a different
dance! Imagine a threehour long procession dancing and singing past; white-clad
men carrying long wands, some wearing lions' manes; women with gaily-coloured
headbands-150,000 people in ranks 20 to 30 wide, joyously accompanying -the
gorgeously-vestmented priests bearing the Arks of the Covenant in reverent
solemnity. |
Imagine Nativity hymns soaring
up to the starlit skies, culminating in spontaneous shouts of "Hallelujah" as
two long rows of priests advance and retreat with incredible, grace and
precision, their long prayer staves swaying, the rhythm of their rattles
punctuated by the resounding boom of the huge church drums. Imagine the
heart-pounding hush that falls and holds for a few moments before massed ranks
of horsemen break into a mighty charge. Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany), Genna
(Ethiopian Christmas), Battle of |
Adua Day-just three of the myriad
religious and secular festivals that stud the year, drawing the Ethiopians-and
the visitor-together in an irresistible surge of spontaneous faith, rejoicing
and gaiety, providing unparalleled opportunities to witness the diversity of
complexion, attire, music, dancing and customs of Ethiopia. |
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