Genna Eve -
: The core of Genna Eve is the overnight church service. It often begins late in the evening and continues until sunrise. Clergy and the faithful gather, many dressed in traditional white Netela (shash), to sing hymns and perform rhythmic dances with prayer sticks called Mequamia .
: Younger generations often prepare for the Ye’gena Chewata , a traditional field hockey game played on Christmas Day. According to legend, the game was first played by shepherds on the night Jesus was born. Key Traditions Summary genna eve
: While the eve is for fasting, it is also when families prepare for the Christmas day feast. This includes slaughtering animals (like a sheep or chicken) and beginning the long process of making Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) to be eaten after the morning liturgy. : The core of Genna Eve is the overnight church service
: The traditional greeting is "Melkam Gena" (Merry Christmas) or "Enkuan Le Berhane Lidetu Abekachihu" (Congratulations for making it to the light of His birth). : Younger generations often prepare for the Ye’gena
