Ethiopia Cross symbols and ritual objects

Every country follows some religions according to their wish. There are many religions followed all around the world. In the same way, the most followed religion in Ethiopia is Christianity. The Cross is the symbol of Christianity. The Ethiopian Cross symbols are very special to them. The Ethiopian cross is different when compared to the other Crosses. The Crosses mostly made from the latticework it’s used because they have the best shelf life. Every Cross in Ethiopia is different from others. Not even one is the same as the other. Every artist who makes Ethiopian Cross can use their creative ideas for Cross make. They allow to use their freedom for innovating ideas by using different patterns and shapes. The Crosses have a type of thick base in the end for supporting them to stand on a table. Priests use them at the time of important rituals and benedictions.

The Ethiopian country has the orthodox churches of Christianity. It started at the time of the first century period. From then they follow the same culture. The churches of Ethiopia follow every ritual and procedure as the beginning years of Christianity. They did not get influenced by other countries around the world. As they followed different cultures they have their own identity. In the Ethiopian churches the olden symbols used in the pure form. There are three Cross forms. The first is the processional cross, the hand cross, and finally the pendant cross. 

The processional cross model of crosses made up of lattice and white straps of metal. They are mostly held in the churches of Ethiopia. They carry them in their heads and go along the streets and villages.

The hand crosses are usually held by the priests. They use it at the time of religious ceremonies. These have the base of squares including the latticework. It is also considered as the representation of the Ark of Covenant. 

The pendant crosses are the most and more used in Ethiopia. It has the cross symbol pendant along with the chain to wear around the neck region. It is the combination of possession and faith. It can be according to the people’s choice. 

It is the work of the metalsmiths in the small villages is to do cross pendants. They are very skilled and innovative in such works. They will have the metals and materials ready for preparation. 

The cross that’s staff mounted that's filled with very minute detailing decoration. The lower part has a pole for insertion. All these parts joined together. They are mostly used for religious purposes. That is why it's  called the processional. These crosses are displayed during important functions like feasts, official festivals, celebrations, and local festivals. According to the ideology it's symbolized for faith. It is also used for the crucifixion process. It is also held as proof of faith and perseverance. The generally used cross is quite more simple than the cross in the churches. It is also believed that it safeguards the pilgrims from perils.

These both are known for providing blessing and protection. The Ethiopian pendants are generally built of wood, leather, or metals. It’s made such that any individual irrespective of gender can wear them. From kids to elders anyone can wear these pendants. It can be either in the chest or around the neck. It’s worn by people believing in protection, faith, and blessings. The monks wear the cross made of wood or metal. The monks and priests will carry the pendants with a length of four to ten inches. The large pendants with a length of twelve or twenty-four inches. The people who use these crosses to bless people are called the monks. They are the symbol of holiness. The priests handle the cross with a procedure. They will place the cross before the chest region that is the professional way of handling the cross. This is the way of the kind they present themselves in any place even during photographs. Every time they meet the priest or the pastor they will kiss the cross top and bottom in order to shower blessings and faithfulness. This creation by motifs, knots, and threads that’s interwoven. These laces are either made by casting or metal leaf cuttings. These processes only use very little materials for doing these cross. They are also light weighted and economic to use. The wooden crosses are cheap and affordable for everyone. 

These are the details about the cross in Ethiopia. We learned about three forms of cross. The details of how the cross made. The details about staff mounted, procession, and hand crosses were also discussed. The questions related to the topic are also discussed here.