Society From Processions to Price Tags: The Dual Story of Genna
By Abebe Fiker
January 4, 2025
On January 7th, corresponding to Tahsas 29 on the Ethiopian calendar, Ethiopians across religious denominations—Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic—celebrate Genna, or Ethiopian Christmas. This sacred day also holds deep significance for Eritrean Orthodox Christians, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ with unique religious and cultural traditions.
Central to the holiday are church services, especially the solemn Christmas Eve vigil. These services often include a procession of the Tabot—a sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant—carried by priests. Faithful attendees, candles in hand, join in a symbolic march to represent the spiritual light brought into the world by Jesus’ birth.
A Blend of Religion and Tradition
Beyond religious rituals, Genna is distinguished by cultural practices, including the game Yegenna Chewata, thought to have been inspired by the shepherds tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth. Unlike the gift-giving customs of Western Christmas, Genna focuses on family, peace, and spiritual renewal. However, children often receive new clothes to mark the day, embodying a sense of joy and fresh beginnings.
Festivities include family gatherings centered around traditional meals, with doro wot (a spicy chicken stew) and injera (a sourdough flatbread) taking center stage. Preparations for these meals often involve weeks of meticulous planning and shopping.
– Advertisement –
The lead-up to the holiday is marked by a 43-day fasting period known as Tsome Nebiyat (the Fast of the Prophets), during which participants abstain from animal products and limit themselves to one meal per day. This period serves as both a spiritual cleansing and an opportunity to prepare for the holiday. For many, it also involves the cultural tradition of slaughtering sheep or goats to ensure the household is ready for the festive meal.
Despite the joyous nature of Genna, rising living costs and economic challenges have cast a shadow over holiday preparations. In Addis Ababa and other major cities, markets teem with activity in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Livestock sales surge as families seek sheep, goats, or chickens for the occasion. At the same time, bazaars at venues like the Exhibition Center and Millennium Hall offer an array of goods, from clothing to spices, catering to holiday shoppers.
However, inflation has hit hard. Prices for essentials such as eggs, teff (a staple grain used to make injera), vegetables, and spices have skyrocketed, placing a significant strain on household budgets. While the Ethiopian Birr continues to lose purchasing power, many families, especially those with low incomes, are forced to find creative ways to minimize expenses.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For some, the rising costs mean scaling back celebrations. Yet, the spirit of Genna endures. Families and communities prioritize togetherness, finding ways to honor traditions despite financial pressures.
Exploring markets across Addis Ababa, the resilience of holiday shoppers is evident. In bustling market stalls and livestock exchanges, the determination to uphold the essence of Genna—faith, family, and joy—remains unshaken, even as the realities of economic hardship loom larger each year.
Genna, with its rich blend of religious devotion and cultural heritage, continues to unite Ethiopians, offering a moment of collective hope and renewal in challenging times.
As part of its coverage, The Reporter visited Qera market, a bustling hub for cattle trade, to assess the current state of livestock market. Wollega cattle were priced between 45,000 and 80,000 birr, while cattle from Gojjam and Gondar fetched higher prices, ranging from 50,000 to 120,000 birr.
A trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the numerous challenges involved in transporting livestock to the capital. “Transporting cattle directly from Wollega is incredibly challenging,” he said. “We are forced to pay fees at every checkpoint, both official and unofficial, which severely reduces our profits.”
Another trader from Bahir Dar shared his arduous journey. He transported his cattle through Wollo and Afar, bypassing the shorter route across the Abay Bridge due to ongoing regional instability.
“Peace and stability have been absent for a long time,” he said. “We had no choice but to detour through Afar, taking the longer, more expensive route.
He says the lack of security not only raises costs but makes transporting goods nearly impossible. “I had to fly to Addis Ababa with my friends while the cattle were transported by truck.”
A Snapshot of Commodity Prices
At the Shola market, there are significant price increases across essential commodities crucial for preparing holiday feasts.
Butter ranged from 800 to 950 birr per kilogram, while pepper was priced between 400 and 480 birr per kilogram. Cooking oil costs soared to 240 birr per liter, with five-liter containers reaching up to 1,200 birr. Onions were sold for 80 to 90 birr per kilogram.
Egg prices exhibited slight variations, with a dozen local eggs costing 16 birr, compared to 15 birr for table (ferenj) eggs. Coffee, a staple of Ethiopian culture, saw substantial price hikes, with Jimma, Yirgacheffe, and Harar varieties sold at 550 to 700 birr per kilogram.
In contrast, teff, showed a more stable pricing trend, offering some relief to consumers. Across major markets like Shola, Merkato, and Kotebe, overall pricing patterns remained consistent, reflecting a nationwide impact of inflation and logistical challenges.
As Genna approaches, the juxtaposition of spiritual devotion and economic hardship becomes increasingly apparent. Despite rising costs, the holiday continues to inspire hope, unity, and resilience. Candlelit processions, festive games like Yegenna Chewata, and bustling markets filled with vibrant goods and livestock underscore the enduring cultural richness of Ethiopian Christmas.
Genna is more than a religious observance—it is a time for reflection, harmony, and community. Its unique blend of fasting, rituals, and traditions emphasizes shared values of faith and togetherness, offering a beacon of light in challenging times. While economic pressures persist, the spirit of Genna endures, reminding Ethiopians of the enduring power of faith and family.