Genna: Ethiopian Christmas on 7 January
4 min read
When the Christmas trees disappear from Geneva living rooms, another celebration begins for Ethiopian families: Genna, Orthodox Christmas, on 7 January. In Tigray and Eritrea it is also called Lidet, "the birth".
Why 7 January?
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows its own calendar, different from the Gregorian calendar used in Switzerland. Christmas falls on the 29th day of the month of Tahsas, which corresponds to 7 January, the same day as several other Orthodox churches.
A long fast before the feast
Genna is preceded by 43 days of fasting, known as Tsome Nebiyat, the fast of the prophets. During this time the faithful give up meat, dairy and eggs. It is one of the reasons Ethiopian cooking is so rich in vegan dishes: lentils, split peas, chickpeas and vegetables are cooked with as much care as meat.
Christmas night
On Christmas Eve, people go to church for a mass that lasts much of the night. Many wear traditional white clothing such as the netela, a light cotton shawl. Candles are lit, and the singing and prayers continue until dawn.
The meal that breaks the fast
In the morning, the family gathers for a big meal. The star dish is doro wet: chicken slow-cooked with onions, garlic and berbere, enriched with spiced butter and served with hard-boiled eggs. It takes hours to prepare, which makes it a true festive dish. It is shared on injera with tej, the honey wine, and followed by a coffee ceremony.
A game, visits and few presents
Genna is not about presents. It is above all a time for visits, reunions and sharing. In some regions young men play genna, a stick-and-ball game reminiscent of hockey that gave the feast its name. Twelve days later, on 19 January, comes Timkat, Epiphany, the other great celebration of the Ethiopian winter.
A taste of Genna in Bernex
Doro wet is on our menu all year round, made to our chef's recipe. And if you prefer plant-based food, misir wat and shiro will introduce you to the cooking of fasting days.
