Traditions of Axum
An ancient kingdom's capital, whose tall stelae and chapel of the Ark are central to Ethiopian Orthodox belief.
Axum was the heart of an empire that traded across the Red Sea and was one of the first states to adopt Christianity, in the fourth century. Its giant carved stone stelae stand in a field of tombs. The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, guarded by a single monk.
Hosanna, fasting and Ark
In late November, the festival of Tsion Maryam draws pilgrims from across Ethiopia, with processions and chanting before the church. Ethiopians in Axum follow strict fasting days, and the priests perform a liturgical dance with sistra and drums in the church compound.
At the table
Meals centre on injera with shiro, spiced chickpea stew, and lentils during fasting days, and tsebhi, red meat stews on feast days. Honey mead, mes, is made locally. Coffee is roasted over charcoal in a ceremony, and incense fills the room.
Signature traditions of Axum
Also part of it, and being written: Obelisk of Axum (The stelae.), Ark of the Covenant (The tradition.), Shiro (The chickpea stew.), Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (The church.).
A trail idea for Axum
- Northern Stelae Field See the great obelisks.
- Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion The pilgrimage centre.
- Queen of Sheba's Pool A reservoir.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Ashenda: Unknown author, Public domain, source