Meskel, also known as “Finding of the True Cross,” is a colorful and vibrant holiday celebrated in Ethiopia. This ancient festival holds deep religious significance for Christians in Ethiopia.
It is a unique holiday that coincides with the end of the raining season and the beginning of the harvest time in Ethiopia. It is a day of solemn religious services and joyous secular celebrations.
A procession during Meskel Festival in Ethiopia.
The Origin of Meskel
Meskel traces its roots back over 1,600 years to the fourth century AD. According to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition, it commemorates the discovery of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The story goes that Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, had a dream guiding her to find the Holy Cross. She and her followers lit a bonfire, and the smoke led them to the spot where the Cross was buried. The word meskel means “cross” in Ge’ez, the ancient Ethiopian language.
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According to “The Ethiopian Synaxarium”( መጽሐፈ፡ ስንክሳር), the spot where the Cross Was unearthed was Golgotha, and the year was 326 after the birth of Christ and in the twentieth year of the reign of Queen Helena’s son, Emperor Constantine I, the first Christian King of Rome.
According to legend, Queen Helena (Eleni in Ethiopian scriptures), in her efforts to discover the Holy Cross, set up long poles and set them afire, and burned incense. Skyward rose the smoke and down it bent, touching the spot on the earth where the original Cross was found buried.
Ever since then, the fourth century after the birth of Christ, Ethiopians like all other Monophysite Christians, have been observing the Festival of the Cross in the firm and honest belief that “Maskal is our strength.
The Fragment of the True Cross is now found in Ethiopia at a forbidden mountain massifs of Ambasel in Wollo, north Ethiopia, inside of the historical monastery of Gishen Mariam. Kept in the innermost sanctuary of the church of Egziabherab. All this History has been recorded on a Manuscript called “Tefut” written by the order of Emperor Zar’ Yacob (1434-68).
Meskel Eve
The celebration of Meskel begins on the evening of September 26th. Families and communities gather to light a large bonfire called a “Demera.” This central event is a symbol of the bonfire that Queen Helena used to find the True Cross.
Read also: Exploring Ethiopian History through Meskel
All over the country the bonfires are lit. In Addis Ababa (the capitol city) the bonfire set in Meskel Square is HUGE.
Demera, it is a massive pole set up on the eve of Maskal in every city, town, and village at the Eve of Mekel; Men and boys in the village gather and place long poles until an enormous pyramid is built. Later they Put Grasses and Maskal daisies or yellow flowers to make decorations.
In the night elders come together and make a blessing. In a church, priests pray and chant around the pile with Cross and burn incense; Make a procession three times around the Demera. Every village or hamlet will have its own Maskal fire that night, and from any high place, one may see many flickering points of light scattered far and near across the darkened landscape.
The young men of the village rush out from their homes with lighted torches the chibos - which they hurl into the blaze. The following morning, on Maskal Day, men and women take up the charcoal of the burnt wood, bear it home, and, breaking it up, rub it on their palms and, with a finger of the right hand, anointing their foreheads with the sign of the Cross.
Maskal is proper is preceded by the highly colorful annual ceremony of Demera( Pile of Wood), observed a day earlier on the eve of the Finding of the True Cross. That day in every community a massive pole or demera is set up in some open space.
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As multitudes of people watch in readiness to participate in the bonfire to follow, a half-religious and half-secular ceremony is held. Following this, the priests and deacons (in Addis Ababa it is His Holiness the Patriarch assisted by members of the clergy) officiate at the ceremony, circle around the Demera with the Cross and incense, and bless the pile.
Meskel flower (Adey Abeba).
Meskel Flower
One of the most beautiful aspects of Meskel is the Meskel flower (Adey Abeba). These bright, yellow daisies bloom around the time of the holiday, adding natural beauty to the festivities.
In many regions, children collect these flowers to make garlands and wreaths for the celebration. People wear the flowers in their hair or adorn their bodies with flowers tucked into every pocket or button hole.
Religious Meaning
Meskel is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians. During the celebrations, colorful processions take place, led by priests dressed in traditional attire. They carry crosses and perform religious chants and hymns.
The prayers and rituals are a magnificent part of Meskel, expressing gratitude for the discovery of the True Cross. The Festival of the Cross is a great time for rejoicing.
Humanity had suffered a lot due to the grave sin Adam and Eve committed through the temptation of the Devil. The entire human race was rendered slave to Satan until our Lord Jesus Christ, one of the three Persons in the Holy Trinity, came to redeem us.
Christ came to the world in human form to atone for the wrongdoings of humans on our behalf and fulfill the Divine justice. He reopened the gate of heaven through His death as all humans, be they sinners or righteous, were not allowed to enter paradise.
As the Lord promised to Adam, He came to the world and endured severe pain and contempt for our sake. He was then crucified on the Cross (Meskel) between two criminals who spent their entire lives robbing and terrorizing people. Christ redeemed us through His death on the Cross. The Cross has thus become the sign of victory for Christians. It is the symbol of our freedom from evil and our rebirth for a new life in Jesus Christ.
Even after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Cross kept on making numerous miracles among believers. But the Jews who lived in those days were envious, and hence buried the Cross and turned the place into a dumping ground for garbage.
After 200 years, Queen Elena, mother of Constantine the Great, set out to locate the place where the cross was buried and excavate it. She prayed hard to request for the will and help of God and then headed for Jerusalem in 319 E.C to accomplish her project.
Elena summoned all priests in the city for mass prayers. She then lit a bonfire and put incense into it. The smoke from the bonfire billowed into the sky and then bent down to the hill where the Cross was buried. She had the place dug, and three crosses were excavated. The True Cross on which our Lord was crucified was identified for the enormous miracles it did. After unearthing the Holy Cross, Queen Helena lit torches heralding her success.
In the Middle Ages, the Patriarch of Alexandria who got hold of part of the True Cross, gave the Ethiopian Emperor Dawit a piece of the Cross in return for protection afforded to the Coptic Christians. This piece is reputedly held at the Gishen Mariam church located about 70 kilometers northwest of Dessie in northern Ethiopia.
On the next day of Demera comes the Meskel festivity. In the morning of Meskel, believers go to the spot of the Demera, and using ashes from the fire, they mark their foreheads with the sign of the cross.
Our forefathers have managed to preserve this age-old tradition which has recently been inscribed in the records of UNESCO as one of the intangible heritages of the world. The responsibility to pass on this unique tradition to the coming generations now lies on the shoulders of every one of us.
The Finding of the True Cross (Meskel) EOTC English Sermon.
Cultural Significance
While Meskel is a religious holiday, it also holds cultural significance for all Ethiopians. It is a time for families to come together, share meals, and enjoy the vibrant traditions of their country.
Traditional dances, music, and feasts are shared by families, neighbors, and communities all over the country. Like all other major church holidays, Maskal commands an enormous appeal in all parts of the country.
The festive of Meskel is a familiar symbol, known and shared by millions of Ethiopians and known, too, by many from other countries who have been moved by the profound Christianity and colorful symbolism of the feast.
Maskal also means many things: It is a festival of bone fire and flowers, and the land of Ethiopia is decorated with a yellow flower at the Ethiopian New Year, but it is not only fire or flowers. It is a culture where people gather for a day of celebration and song, but it is not only a celebration or song.
Unique Traditions
In some regions of Ethiopia, people engage in a practice called “Bull Jumping” during Meskel. Young men demonstrate their bravery by jumping over rows of bulls, a tradition that dates back centuries.
Meskel Square
Meskel Square (Amharic: መስቀል አደባባይ, romanized: mesik’el ādebabay, lit. 'Cross Square') is a public square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Previously it was known as Stephen Square before its name was changed to Meskel Squre in the early 1950s.
Emperor Haile Selassie I seen celebrating the finding of the cross at Meskel Square in 1971.
Traditionally, the Meskel holiday (finding of the true cross)bonfire in Addis Ababa was lit by the Emperor of Ethiopia accompanied by members of the Imperial Family, the nobility, and high officials of the Orthodox Church and the government.
Following the fall of the monarchy in 1974, Meskel Square was renamed Revolution Square (Abiyot Adebabay). It was greatly expanded so that it could accommodate the annual Revolution Day and May Day parades on 12 September and 1 May.
Nowadays the square is often used for large secular purposes as well. Concerts, parades, car races, and various other government and public events are held there. Political parties often hold rallies in the square.
The national monument in memory of those massacred by the Dergue regime in the Red Terror of the 1970s has been built at the eastern entrance to the square, and the remains of many victims from that period have been buried there.
The Meskel Square Project consists of 1,400 underground parking spaces, 6 LED signboards, and 24 retail facilities.
Thousands gather at Meskel Square annually on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (27 September in the Gregorian calendar), with celebrations in Addis Ababa beginning in the early afternoon when a procession bearing flaming torches approaches Meskel Square from various directions.
A burning pyramid (demera) is located in the center and is circled by priests in brightly colored cloaks, students, brass bands, and the army carrying around giant crosses and torches. They set the pyramid alight with their torches, and the burning pyramid is kept ablaze until dawn until the celebrations through the night have ended.
Experiencing Meskel: Tips for Travelers
For travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience, Meskel offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and community. It’s a time when Ethiopia comes alive with faith and celebration, giving visitors a chance to witness ancient traditions in a modern context.
If you’re planning to visit Ethiopia during Meskel, here are a few tips to make the most of your trip:
- Book Accommodations Early: Since Meskel is one of Ethiopia's major holidays, hotels, and guesthouses in Addis Ababa and other key cities tend to fill up quickly. Plan your accommodation in advance.
- Participate Respectfully: Meskel is a deeply spiritual holiday for Ethiopians. Dress modestly, especially if you plan to attend the religious ceremonies. Following the lead of locals is always a good way to show respect for traditions.
- Explore Beyond Addis Ababa: While Addis Ababa’s Meskel celebrations are the most famous, consider visiting cities like Gondar, Lalibela, or Axum for a more historical experience.
- Try the Local Cuisine: The holiday is also an excellent opportunity to taste traditional Ethiopian food, which plays a big role in the celebrations.
Foods of the Feast
The eating of injera, a flatbread considered a national dish in Ethiopia, took on special Eucharistic significance for the family that day, she said. The man of the house would be in charge of breaking the injera, and the day included plenty of eating and sharing.
Adult children, especially those who have moved away from the village in search of their fortunes, are expected to provide a bull or goat for their parents to slaughter for Meskel. Those children who do not honor this responsibility may be cursed for failing their families.
The slaughter itself is part of the feast. An elder male blesses the animal with the sign of the cross, a request that God save the people in the coming year and provide prosperity for the children who provided the animal. The men take a shot of local alcohol, and the bull is slaughtered. The bull has to fall to the right side, or at least be turned afterward on that side.
The meat is prepared in a variety of ways and shared with celebrants and can last a week.
Meskel is a beautiful Ethiopian holiday that celebrates both religious and cultural aspects of the country’s rich heritage. The holiday reminds us of the deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations.
