Meskel in Eritrea
Meskel, also known as the Finding of the True Cross, is observed in Eritrea as a public holiday. Its date is September 27 in non-leap years and September 28 in leap years; Eritrean celebrations include a ceremonial bonfire called the damera.[1][2]
Meaning and story
The Eritrean Ministry of Information describes Meskel as commemorating the finding of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. According to the church tradition recounted by the ministry, Queen Helena was guided to the buried cross by the smoke from a bonfire. This is a religious tradition associated with the feast, rather than a claim that the story is independently established as history.[1]
The holiday also carries seasonal meaning in Eritrea. A Ministry of Information account connects it with the end of the rainy season and the beginning of harvest, while a separate article describes the gathering and lighting of neighborhood bonfires as part of Meskel celebrations.[2]
How Meskel is observed
A damera bonfire is held before or on the holiday. Eritrean accounts describe firewood arranged for the fire and decorated with daisies; after it burns, some of the faithful use the charcoal or ashes to mark a cross on their foreheads. The ministry’s account also describes women ululating and men and priests chanting during the damera procession.[1][2]
Celebrations include both local gatherings and public religious ceremonies. An Eritrean government report describes a prayer service led by the Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church at Bahti Meskerem Square in Asmara, attended by church leaders, officials, diplomats and worshippers. A ministry account based on childhood memories also describes neighborhood bonfires and children hopping over a dry cactus plant called hoye; these accounts document particular observances and do not establish that every community follows the same customs.[2][3]
Public holiday and work
Meskel is listed as a public holiday in Eritrea. The Labour Proclamation provides that public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays for employees. It also sets a rate of two and a half times the regular hourly rate for an employee who works on a public holiday.[4]
Meskel is marked by public religious observances and neighborhood celebrations.[2][3]
Meskel in Eritrea: questions and answers
When is Meskel observed in Eritrea?
Is Meskel a public holiday?
What is a damera?
Sources and references
Sources used for Meskel in Eritrea:
- Meskel: The Finding of the True Cross- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- Celebrating Meskel as a child- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- Meskel Holiday colorfully celebrated nationwide- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- Microsoft Word - Document1- Government of the State of Eritrea