Hareg Designs

Ashenda is a yearly Tigrayan festival in Ethiopia, celebrating women every August after the two-week fast of Filseta, honoring the Virgin Mary. Women wear white cotton dresses with colorful embroidery and jewelry, often weaving ashenda grass into their attire. This grass, symbolizing the festival, grows on riverbanks. Participants sing, dance, and collect gifts for the poor. Ashenda, possibly predating Ethiopia's Christianity, is celebrated across regions with names like Shadey, Ashendye, and Solel or Mariya. Efforts are underway to list Ashenda as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Source:
1. Wikipedia
2. Tigrai online
Photo credit:

1.Tewodros Hailemikael
2.Ethio Beauty

Niksat, an ancient Ethiopian tradition, resembles tattooing and has roots dating back to the fourth century with the spread of Christianity. Predominantly practiced in northern regions like Tigray, Gondar, and Gojjam, it involves intricate designs on the face, neck, gums, and hands of young girls, with variations for men. For men, the gum tattoo is called Guramayle. Niskat is not only a form of beautification but also serves as an identity marker and is believed to ward off the evil eye. The sun symbol, particularly on the forehead, is considered protective, as the symbol draws the attention that was meant to be for the entire face, while gingival tattoos are believed to have healing properties for dental issues. Overall, Niskat showcases how cultural practices adapt over time, retaining deep spiritual and societal significance.

Source:
- Addis Zeybe

Photo credit:
1.Tumbler
2.Flicker

Ethiopian painting, distinct yet influenced by Coptic and Byzantine art, has flourished with a focus on religious subjects, characterized by vivid colors, rich symbolism, and large, expressive eyes. This art style, refined over generations, uses consistent facial features and poses to convey symbolic meanings. Angels, often depicted with wings, and archangels with staffs or mirrors, embody their roles as messengers. Color symbolism is profound: gold for Heaven's radiance, red for divine life, blue for human life, and white for God's Uncreated Light. Icons of Jesus and Mary reflect these colors to symbolize divine and human natures. A prime example is the Debre Berhan Selassie church in Gondar, known for its angel-covered roof and vibrant murals from the late 17th century.

Source: Wikipedia
Photo credit:

- Goddard_Photography