Meskel: Celebration of the Finding of the True Holy Cross An

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Background of the Site

Meskel is an annual Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebration
that commemorates the finding of the True Holy Cross by Empress
Helena, the mother
of Emperor Constantine I, in 326 AD. The celebration takes place on
September 27 of the Ethiopian calendar, which corresponds to September 29
of the Gregorian calendar.

The word "Meskel" is derived from the Ge'ez word "masqal," meaning "cross."
The celebration involves the building of a large bonfire called a "damera,"
which is decorated with flowers and greenery. The damera is lit at sunset, and
the faithful gather around to sing hymns and dance.

Meskel is a joyous celebration that is observed by Ethiopians all over the

world. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate
their faith and culture.

Criteria to Register
Meskel was inscribed on the Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. It met the
following criteria:

•R.1: The element is representative of the intangible cultural

heritage of the community, and is deeply rooted in its history
and traditions.
•R.2: The element is transmitted from generation to
generation, and is constantly re-created and interpreted by
the community.
•R.3: The element provides a sense of identity and continuity
for the community and contributes to social cohesion.
•R.4: The community has demonstrated a strong desire to
safeguard the element and has developed a
management plan.

Value of the Site

Meskel is a valuable cultural heritage site for several reasons:

•It is a unique and important expression of Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church tradition.
•It is a powerful symbol of faith and hope for Ethiopians all
over the world.
•It is a joyous celebration that brings people together and
strengthens community bonds.
Preservation and Management System
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church plays a key role in
the preservation and management of Meskel. The church has
developed a management plan that includes measures to:
•Raise awareness of the importance of
Meskel
•Train practitioners in the traditional methods of building and
lighting the damera
•Encourage the participation of young people in the
celebration
•Document the celebration for future generations

Threats
Despite its importance, Meskel is facing several threats,
including:
•Urbanization and the loss of traditional spaces for
celebration
•The influence of Western culture, which is leading to a
decline in participation in traditional celebrations
•The lack of funding for preservation and management
activities
Conclusion
Meskel is an important intangible cultural
heritage site that is worth preserving for future generations.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is taking steps to
ensure that the celebration continues to thrive, but it is
important that the international community also provide
support. By working together, we can ensure that Meskel
continues to be a source of joy, faith, and identity for
Ethiopians all over the world.