Do Ethiopians Say Merry Christmas? Learn How They Celebrate Genna

Discover how Ethiopians say Merry Christmas and why they celebrate Christmas on January 7th with unique traditions and the phrase 'Melkam Genna'.

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Yes, Ethiopians do say Merry Christmas, but in their own language, they say "Melkam Genna", which translates to Merry Christmas in English. Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th, due to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church following the Julian calendar. The holiday, known locally as Genna, is marked by special foods, church services, and various cultural traditions.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why do Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7th? Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7th because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world.
  2. What does 'Melkam Genna' mean? 'Melkam Genna' is the Amharic phrase Ethiopians use to say 'Merry Christmas.'
  3. How is Christmas celebrated in Ethiopia? Christmas in Ethiopia, called Genna, is celebrated with special foods, church services, and cultural traditions unique to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.

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