Ethiopia is a beautiful country situated in Eastern Africa near the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia's landscapes are dramatic and range from high mountains populated with rare animals and birds, to remote lowlands in the sultry southwest that are home to some of Africa's most fascinating tribes. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. The country's Rift Valley is known as the "cradle of civilization." Fossils of the oldest human skeleton, "Lucy," were found here in 1974.

Ethiopia is unique in Africa, in that it was never under colonial rule, other than an occupation by Italy during WWII. Ethiopia is split religiously, with official statistics of 35% to 40% Ethiopian Orthodox primarily in the north, and 45% to 50% Muslim, primarily in the South. It shares borders with Kenya (to the south), Somalia (east), Djibouti (northeast), Eritrea (north) and Sudan (west).

Today, Ethiopia is Africa's second-most populus nation with multiple tribes, different subcultures and over 80 languages.

The Toy and Its Story

Ethiopian Holidays

• Jan 7 - Ethiopian Christmas- Presents are a very small part of the celebration (mainly just clothing). During church service men and women are separated. Candles are lit and songs are also sung. On Christmas day 3 young men will lead a large procession, using whips to keep people in line, to a nearby hilltop for a service. Dancing and sports and feasting follows the service.
• Jan 19 - Timket (Epiphany)- Crowds gather to reenact the ritual baptism of Jesus. Throughout the day there is dancing and playing. Once the ark has returned to the church (having been taken out for the baptism at dawn), everyone retires for feasting.
• Feb 26 - Mawlid al-Nabi (birth of the prophet)- Celebration of the birth of Muhammad. It is  characterized by sermons, feasting, gift-giving and honoring religious dignitaries.
• Mar 2 - Victory of Adowa- Fought in 1896, it is the only time outside of Liberia that a nation fought off the conquering Europeans (the Italians were invading).
• Apr 17 - Good Friday
• Apr 19 - Easter- On this day it is traditional to wear all white. Also, large quantities of the bread dabo is made for all guests that stop by the house. This bread is also either blessed by a priest or the head of household.
• May 1 - Labour Day
• May 5 - Patriots Victory Day- Celebrates the liberation from Italian occupation in 1941
• May 28 - Downfall of the Dergue- Celebrates the downfall of the Dergue Regime in 1991.
• Sep 11 - New Year (Entutatash)- Entutash is characterized by 3 days of prayers, psalms, hymns, colorful processions, giving of bouquets of flowers, and children dancing in new clothes and giving paintings.
• Sep 21 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) - The end of the month of fasting during Ramadan.
• Sep 27 - Finding of the True Cross (Meskal)- Celebrates the finding of the cross by Empress Helena. It has been celebrated for over 1600 years and is second in importance only to Timket. Dancing, feasting, merry-making, and even gun salutes mark the occasion. But specifically the burning of twigs entwined with the Meskal daisy at gates.
• Nov 28 - Eid al-Adha (Arafat)- Celebrates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ethiopian Food

Ever wonder what type of foods are available in Ethiopia? Here's a glimpse of some:

To learn more about adopting from Ethiopia, please request one of Gladney's free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packets. Make your request on-line or by calling 1-800-INT-ADOP.