Ethiopia ― Fasting for 55 Days (DW)

(Deutsche Welle)–Ethiopia is one of the world’s most religious countries. Orthodox Christians can fast seven fasting periods a year and wear religious-themed tattoos. In a politically troubled nation, people are “praying harder than ever.”

Seven fasting periods

During the Lent lead-up to Easter, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast for 55 consecutive days (Catholics fast for 40 days). Throughout the year there are seven designated fasting periods. Devoted adherents fast for around 165 to 250 days. This includes abstaining from all animal products – meat, dairy and eggs – every Wednesday and Friday.

Tough rules

Ash is dispensed at a church in Gondar so that worshipers can mark crosses on their foreheads. In addition to the ban on animal products for the current 55-day fast, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians can’t eat or drink anything until 3 p.m. Some stop brushing their teeth, fearful of breaking the fast by swallowing blood from bleeding gums.

Faith and spirituality

For Ethiopians, religion and fasting inhabits a realm of faith and spirituality which many in the West can’t fathom nowadays. “Official theology teaches fasting is needed to come closer to God by repressing the flesh,” says Makonnen, an Orthodox Church deacon. “Fasting is good because it clears one’s mind from unnecessary energy. To be fully human you need a balance between spirit and body.”

Demands of the Christian faith

For some fasting restrictions even include alcohol and what can happen in the bedroom. Church doctrine doesn’t actually forbid sexual relations during fasts, nor alcohol. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians voluntarily given themselves a harder test, Makonnen said. “Popular theology influences much more strongly than official doctrine in this country.”

Read the complete story at Deutsche Welle (DW)
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