Meskel: A Celebration of Faith, History, and Healing - Finding of the true cross
Meskel, which means “cross” in Ge’ez, is a unique and profound celebration by the churches of the East, and considers it to be a major feast. Also known as “Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross” & Demera, (the burning of a large bonfire).
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is celebrated every year on September, recalling three events:
- The finding of the true cross by Saint Helen(326AD).
- The dedication of churches built by Emperor Constantinos on the site of the Holy Sepulchre & Mount Calvary.
- Other elevation of the True Cross at Hagia Sophia in Constantinople in AD 629 by the Byzantine emperor Herculis, after it had fallen into the hands of the Persian Emperor.
Christ’s crucifixion is seen as a sacrificial act, a payment for the sins of humanity. His teachings emphasize the importance of living ethically and compassionately, as demonstrated by his own life and sacrifice.
Celebrating Meskel reminds us of the cross’s significance to humanity, symbolizing surrender, forgiveness, faith, vigilance, love, and light. Meskel serves as a powerful reminder to be responsible for our lives, seek our purpose, and use our gifts to serve our spirit and connect with humanity, regardless of the circumstances of our birth. It starts with the willingness to live knowing we are more powerful than we think, striving to be selfless, loving ourselves, and being humble only to God.
The celebration’s festivity, ritual, culture, tradition, historic significance, and spiritual healing importance in the 21st century make Ethiopia truly the cradle of mankind. I am grateful for this fire cleansing ritual, which reminds us to love and forgive ourselves and others, knowing we are enough to purify and cleanse ourselves from negative emotions, anger, hate, vengeance, rage, fear, insecurity, and doubt.
May we all have peace, love, and joy in our hearts so that we can live in peace, forgiveness, love, and joy, and extend it to our family, community, and society.
Enkuan Le Birhane Meskel Beselam Aderesachu!
By Dutches @deldeyoch
“He was crucified as the ultimate, blameless sacrifice. He died as the Lamb of God, the atonement for all mankind. He bore the punishment of all our sins and died, the just for the unjust.” - (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). “Not only did He die a physical death, but He even experienced separation from God while He was hanging on the cross. Through this sacrifice, all those who believe in Him are able to obtain forgiveness.” - (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
Christ’s crucifixion is seen as a sacrificial act, a payment for the sins of humanity. His teachings emphasize the importance of living ethically and compassionately, as demonstrated by his own life and sacrifice.
Celebrating Meskel reminds us of the cross’s significance to humanity, symbolizing surrender, forgiveness, faith, vigilance, love, and light. Meskel serves as a powerful reminder to be responsible for our lives, seek our purpose, and use our gifts to serve our spirit and connect with humanity, regardless of the circumstances of our birth. It starts with the willingness to live knowing we are more powerful than we think, striving to be selfless, loving ourselves, and being humble only to God.
"Forgiveness is only the beginning. Jesus Himself indicated this very clearly: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” - Luke 9:23.
We celebrate Demera by burning chebo (wood) and going around our homes and the bonfire with the lit chebo, chanting and singing gospel songs, and adding frankincense before lighting the bonfire. This process reenacts Queen Eleni’s dream by observing the direction of the smoke in the sky to determine where the cross fell, identifying the exact spot where the cross had been buried. Ash from the remains of the fire is collected and used by the faithful to mark their foreheads with the shape of a cross (Ash Wednesday), serving as a healing source.
Meskel holds a dear place in the hearts of Ethiopians, as it is believed that a part of the true cross was brought to Ethiopia from Egypt and is kept at Amba Geshen, which itself has a cross shape.
We celebrate Demera by burning chebo (wood) and going around our homes and the bonfire with the lit chebo, chanting and singing gospel songs, and adding frankincense before lighting the bonfire. This process reenacts Queen Eleni’s dream by observing the direction of the smoke in the sky to determine where the cross fell, identifying the exact spot where the cross had been buried. Ash from the remains of the fire is collected and used by the faithful to mark their foreheads with the shape of a cross (Ash Wednesday), serving as a healing source.
Meskel holds a dear place in the hearts of Ethiopians, as it is believed that a part of the true cross was brought to Ethiopia from Egypt and is kept at Amba Geshen, which itself has a cross shape.
May we all have peace, love, and joy in our hearts so that we can live in peace, forgiveness, love, and joy, and extend it to our family, community, and society.
Enkuan Le Birhane Meskel Beselam Aderesachu!
By Dutches @deldeyoch
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