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Christmas
Genna / Ledet (Ethiopian Christmas)
Also called: ጌና (Genna), ልደት (Ledet)
January 7 (fixed)
Ethiopian Orthodox
The Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Nativity, observed on January 7, following 43 days of Advent fasting (Tsome Gahad). The name "Genna" is thought to derive from the word for "imminent" (relating to Christ's coming) and from a traditional hockey-like game (Yegena Chewata) played by men on this day.
The liturgy begins very early in the morning (around 6 AM) with an elaborate procession. It usually falls on or around January 7 (fixed).
It is especially important in Ethiopian Orthodox traditions. Explore mission trips — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- major feast
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- Ethiopia
- Themes
- Birth of Christ
- Liturgical colour
- White
- Public holiday
- Yes — in at least one country
Common questions
Genna is observed on January 7 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Nativity, observed on January 7, following 43 days of Advent fasting (Tsome Gahad). The name "Genna" is thought to derive from the word for "imminent" (relating to Christ's coming) and from a traditional hockey-like game (Yegena Chewata) played by men on this day. The liturgy begins very early in the morning (around 6 AM) with an elaborate procession. Men
It is associated with Ethiopian Orthodox. It falls in the Christmas season of the liturgical year.
Yes — Genna is a public holiday in at least one country (including GB). In the UK, check whether your nation marks it as a bank holiday.
