I never knew about the long-standing religious history of Christianity within Ethiopia, but the celebration of Meskel is to commemorate the finding of Jesus' cross by St. Helena (mother of Constantine).
The tradition has been celebrated for over 600 years but has arguably been affiliated with the country since the 4th century.
Yet the country's long historical lineage to Christianity dates back to the Queen of Shiba (arguably of Ethiopian descent).
St. Helena had been instructed to light a fire, which would point to where the cross was laid. The conclusion of the findings presented St. Helena with pieces of the cross to which she spread to different nations - Ethiopia being one of them.
The celebration takes place on the 26th of September (Meskerem in the Ethiopian Calendar) after the rainy season - from experience, the rain still pours for about another month or so. The celebration begins with involves a massive feast of goats and cows, family members and neighbors.
Wow! Original celebtarion. Really interesting photos and information!
Thank you, it's a really beautiful celebration!