Meskel: The Feast of the Holy Cross in Ethiopia

Introduction: What a Fire Can Teach Us About the Cross

Every September, in the heart of Ethiopia, Catholic and Orthodox Christians gather in town squares and fields as towering bonfires light up the night sky. They are celebrating Meskel, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a tradition that blends theological meaning with cultural beauty, storytelling, and joy.

Craft paper daisies, reflect on the meaning of the cross, and get your country of Ethiopia stamp for your Catholic passport in this printable activity kit for Catholic kids and families.

In this article, you’ll learn about the history and meaning behind Meskel and how Ethiopian Catholics celebrate it. We’ll explore how this unique expression of the faith can inspire Catholic children and catechists to understand the power of the cross as a symbol of suffering, hope and glory. You’ll also find ideas for bringing the Meskel spirit into your home or classroom.

What Is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?

According to Catholic tradition, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, located the cross upon which Jesus was crucified during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a universal feast in the Catholic Church celebrated on September 14 that honors this discovery.

For Catholics, the cross is more than a reminder of Jesus Christ’s Passion. By dying on the cross, Jesus conquered sin and death. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites the faithful to “lift high the Cross” and rejoice in what it represents: victory, healing, and salvation.

How Ethiopian Catholics Celebrate the Feast: Meskel

In Ethiopia, the feast is called Meskel, which means “cross” in Ge’ez, the ancient liturgical language of Ethiopian Christians. Though shared with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the celebration is also honored by Ethiopian Catholics, especially in the capital, Addis Ababa, and cities like Axum and Gondar.

Key Elements

• Date: September 27 (according to the Ethiopian calendar; this aligns with September. 14 in the Western calendar)
• Scripture Readings: Galatians 6:14, Colossians 1:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:10-11, 6:6
• Prayers: The Lord’s Prayer; prayer to the Blessed Trinity

Cultural Traditions

Here are some of the traditions you might expect to see during Meskel in Ethiopia.

• Demera (Bonfire Ceremony): On the eve of the feast, thousands gather for the lighting of the Demera, a large pyre built of sticks and flowers in public squares. The fire recalls the legend of how Saint Helena was guided by smoke to the site of the true cross.
• Processions and Songs: Children and adults dress in white traditional robes (called shamma), carry processional crosses, chant prayers, and sing joyful hymns. Priests bless the crowd and the fire using incense and holy water.
• Symbolic Flowers (Meskel Daisies): Bright yellow Meskel daisies bloom in the highlands during this season and are used to decorate homes and churches—symbolizing hope and new life in Christ.
• Community Meals: After Mass and festivities, families gather to share injera (flatbread), stews, and honey wine. Elders tell stories about the true cross, and children play traditional games.

What This Celebration Means for Catholics

For Catholic children, families, and catechists, Ethiopia’s observance of Meskel teaches us that faith is a light that guides us, even in the darkest moments. Just as Saint Helena found the true cross, we too discover the hope and victory of the cross in our own lives. Here are some ways that you can celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross, inspired by this important Ethiopian feast.

For Catholic Families

Learning about Meskel can inspire families to:

• Share the story of Saint Helena and the True Cross during family prayer time
• Bake or cook an Ethiopian-inspired dish together and talk about the faith traditions of Catholics worldwide.
• Light a candle in your home prayer corner to honor the cross, offering prayers for unity in the Church.
• Go on a “signs of faith” walk in your neighborhood, pointing out symbols, nature, or moments that remind you of God’s presence.

For Catechists

In a religious education setting, this feast is a perfect opportunity to:

• Locate Ethiopia on a world map.
• Watch a short video of Meskel processions.
• Invite children to design their own cross artwork using patterns or flowers.
• Create a “Demera” craft (small stick bonfire glued on paper, with tissue flames).

The Universal Church: One Faith, Many Expressions

Meskel is a vivid reminder that the Catholic Church is both universal and local. When Catholic children learn about Meskel, they aren’t just learning about another country. They are encountering their brothers and sisters in Christ, and seeing how faith can shine with cultural color and creativity.

Let the Light of the Cross Burn Bright

Meskel offers a powerful message: the Cross is our light in the darkness. Just as the bonfires of Ethiopia glow against the night sky, the Cross reminds us that love is stronger than death, and that God is always at work bringing beauty from suffering. The Church in Ethiopia gives us a great gift. Let’s lift high the cross with joy, and with flowers, fire, and faith!

Where in the world are you celebrating your Catholic faith? Tag @SadlierReligion and #MyCatholicPassport to share your Catholic passport pages and your adventures in faith.