Orthodox Christmas Day in Eritrea, celebrated on the 7th of January, is a major national holiday. The date differs from the western observance of Christmas due to the use of the Julian calendar by the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar widely used in the west. It's an important religious holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Christian Orthodox tradition. The holiday is a time of great joy, feast, family gatherings, and spiritual reflection among the Orthodox Christians in Eritrea.
The celebrations of Orthodox Christmas Day in Eritrea are characterized by a variety of religious and cultural traditions. The night before Christmas, church services are held that culminate in a joyous celebration at midnight, marking the birth of Christ. Services are filled with hymns, prayers, and the reading of scriptures, wearing traditional white clothing, which signifies purity. The Orthodox faithful participate in a strict fast leading up to the holiday, abstaining from all meat and dairy products for 40 days, known as the 'Fast of the Prophets' ending on Christmas Day, when feasting begins.
Outside of the church, many other festive activities occur. Families gather for a festive meal after the midnight services, marking the end of fasting. Typical Eritrean foods like injera (a sourdough flatbread) and doro wat (a hot chicken stew) are common, prepared uniquely for this feast. Homes are beautifully decorated with traditional Christmas decors, and Christmas presents are exchanged. The holiday is not only marked by its religious significance but also by a deep cultural richness that highlights Eritrean heritage and traditions.