Christening, or baptism, is a major sacrament in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is frequently observed as a component of the greater Timkat celebration, which honors Jesus’ baptism. Although baptism rituals often have a similar structure, Ethiopian churches have several particular customs that offer distinctive religious and cultural details. An important occasion for baptism rituals is the Timkat festival, which is held on January 19th every year. The baptism individual is plunged into water three times in the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as part of the ceremony. A “new birth” and admittance into the church community are represented by the submersion in water. Male children are usually baptized on the 40th day after birth, while female children are baptized on the 80th day. Renouncing Satan and all of his deeds is a requirement for those getting baptized. The priest blesses the water after the Tabots are brought to a source. The assembly is then blessed by the priest and doused with the consecrated water, signifying the purification and rejuvenation of the soul. Procession: After that, the Tabots are driven back to the church in a vibrant procession that includes dancing and singing.
