Ethiopian epiphany ( Timket) is one of the major holidays. Every year it is celebrated beautifully and colourfully by Orthodox Tewahido faithfuls to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ.

One thing that makes it big is that it is celebrated across the nation, far flung corners as well as nook and crannies inclusive. Ceremonies of a similar nature ripples across the country inducing a feeling of togetherness and vivacity. All replicas of the ark of the covenant (Tabot) from each church would be carried out by priests from their respective churches to bless the holy water prepared for baptism purpose on a particular place, most of the time by a riverside.

Each year, on the eve of the epiphany billions of believers residing in different areas of the country gather around to accompany the respective Tabot along with priests and Sunday school youths singing hymens and praises all the way to the place where the baptismal ceremony takes place.

Aside from its spiritual dimension, Timket and the day before it( ketera) in which the escorting in and out or the accompanying of the Tabots occur have cultural aspects too. Timkete is also a time when new lovers court and secret crushes are revealed. Particularly January is viewed as a wedding season in may parts of Ethiopia.

As an elephantine number of people gather at this event with many different dressing styles and hair do’s ,young women and men show up to woo and attract their would- be love mate.

Putting on glittering jewelries, earrings, necklaces and bracelets and attired with white costumes showcasing the country’s weaving and handicrafts skill, girls show up on the ceremony revealing the height of their beauty.

There is a saying ‘ If there is a Sunday best not meant for Timket let it wane and get ripped.” The adage is meant to express girls should look as ravishing as possible on this particular day. Boys intending to get lucky at this time prepare themselves in advance with styles and dressing codes as the girls, and they would grab a lemon.

When the ripe moment comes they will slowly hurl the lemon on the chest of the beauty queen who stole their heart among many other beauties. This way they express their crush. If the girl likes the boy she would pick up the lemon so that they met later. But if the boy is not to her taste she pretends as if she did not notice.

Even though such a custom is rarely happening these days in Addis, as a way of communication it is still common to see boys gently hurling lemons on the chests of their dream object in rural areas.

Back in the days, it was on this particular day that new lovers met and started dating. Affording a vent to their stifled love, they would eventually pave way for marriage and starting family. That is how most of our parents and the predecessor generation found their loved ones.

Every year this ceremony is held on January. Nowadays Ethiopia, thanks to the infrastructural expansion works afoot, cuts magnificence and majestic beauty. All the necessary facilities tourists need are in place. That is an additional reason why Ethiopia with wide-opened hands cordially welcomes tourists.

It is catchy for tourists seeing girls, youngsters each with different dressing style from one group to another accompanying their diocese’s church ark along with priests and believers dressed in white.

Tourists come in droves to be an eyewitness to the celebration of Epiphany, which has no match. Many foreigners stunned by the beauty and bliss of the ceremony pledge to come back with relatives and friends next time. This writer has approached some tourists around Janmeda here in Addis Ababa about their experience and take of the ceremony.

Seth is from Greek . He says Ethiopia’s culture and wonderful topography are what made him visit the country again. “Lots of things have changed since my visit three years ago says Seth “Wow Addis is becoming a huge city, lots of new buildings and hotels around every corners. I enjoyed staying here more than before. Seth says I am glad that I came at this time because I remember last time I celebrate Meskel and it was really fascinating and Timket is really exciting too. when asked about the lemon throwing tradition he says ” I heard about it last night.

It is so romantic in a way and a bit funny. I am planning to throw one but you see its kind of hard to choose which from which .There are too many beautiful girls here and there everywhere . From his the horse’s mouth ” I am enjoying Ethiopian dance Eskesta and delicious cultural dishes and me and my friends are planning to tour around the ancient historical places.”

Toni is from united states. It is her first time to come to Ethiopia and to experience Timket ” I came here with my coworkers, I just happened to be here for work assignment but I am enjoying my stay. So far it is very nice. I am excited to watch the ceremony.

The different things that I observe is Ethiopians are so hospitable. It is so wonderful. In united states everyone is busy.