Orthodox Christmas in Eritrea
Orthodox Christmas in Eritrea is celebrated on January 7 by many Christians who follow the Geez calendar. The day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services and feasting.[1][2]
Why the date is January 7
Eritrea uses the Gregorian calendar for everyday purposes but retains the Julian, or Geez, calendar for traditional and religious holidays. The 13-day difference between the calendars places Christmas on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.[1]
Christmas is a Christian feast celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. An Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church teaching describes the Nativity as the fulfillment of prophecy and explains that the church’s preparation includes the Fast of the Prophets, also called Tsome Nebiyat.[2]
Church and family observances
A Ministry of Information account describes Christmas Day observances as a lengthy church service followed by feasting. It also reports that some Eritreans celebrate Christmas on December 25, while many celebrate on January 7 according to the Geez calendar.[1]
The Ministry has also described holiday-season practices in Eritrea that include visiting relatives and rejoicing with neighbors. These are broad seasonal observations, rather than customs that every household follows.[3]
Public holiday and practical plans
The Labour Proclamation says that public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays for employees; it also sets a higher hourly rate for employees who work on a public holiday.[4]
The Labour Proclamation does not specify whether a substitute day is given when a holiday falls on a weekly rest day. Check opening hours and services with offices, banks, shops or transport providers before making plans.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Orthodox Christmas in Eritrea?
It is celebrated on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar, corresponding to Christmas in the Geez calendar used for religious holidays.[1]
Is Orthodox Christmas a public holiday?
Yes. Eritrea’s calendar lists it as a public holiday. The Labour Proclamation says public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays for employees.[4]
Do workers get the day off?
The Labour Proclamation provides for paid public holidays and specifies additional pay for employees who work on one. It does not say that every workplace must close.[4]
What is open on the holiday?
Check opening hours with the office, bank, shop, or public transport provider before travelling.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Orthodox Christmas in Eritrea:
- Celebrating Christmas on the 25th of December and the 7th of January- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- What is TRUE Christmas SPIRIT?- Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Diocese of the U.S.A. and Canada
- “The Holiday Season”- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- The Labour Proclamation of Eritrea No 118 of 2001- Government of the State of Eritrea; hosted by A-MLA