Ethiopia is not only a country filled with natural beauty, it is also home to a fascinating history and culture. As Africa’s oldest independent country and one of only two African countries not to have been colonised (ignoring the short stint of Italian rule), it is quite different to many other African countries. For instance, Christianity in Ethiopia was not the result of colonial influence, rather, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world.
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FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ETHIOPIA
- Ethiopians in the 10th Century are thought to be the first humans to discover the stimulating effects of coffee beans, that we still enjoy today.
- Lucy, our 3.2 million year old ancestor found in Ethiopia, is named after the Beatles’ song, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
- Wish you could travel back in time? How about going back to 2011? Ethiopia counts 13 months in one year so this dream can be your reality.
- The Rastafarian name originates from Ethiopia, not from Jamaica. In Amharic, ‘Ras’ is a title similar to that of a chief, and ‘tafari’ is the first name of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Thus, Rastafarians were originally a religious group that believed that Haile Selassie was the incarnation of God.
- The desolate Danakil Depression is peppered with 25% of Africa’s active volcanoes.
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Some Practical Info
- Over 80 languages are spoken in Ethiopia but the main two are Oromo and Amharic.- The two main religions in Ethiopia are Orthodox Christianity and Islam.
- Ethiopia has plenty of veggie options thanks to Orthdox Christianity beliefs which forbid the consumption of animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- The best time to visit Ethiopia is mid-October, when the highlands are lush from the rain.
It was in the 4th century AD that Christianity became the state religion in Ethiopia, the same century that Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Ancient Ethiopians have left spectacular monuments in honour of their faith and religious traditions have remained almost entirely intact. Ge’ez, the original language in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s religious texts, is still the holy language used in chanting and at festivals.
Lalibela is one of the country’s most religious sites, calling itself ‘New Jerusalem. It is named after King Lalibela, who is the man behind the construction of 11 churches, carved out of rock. Some are carved into the sides of valleys, others into deep ravines and many are linked by tunnels. The most impressive and recognisable church in the area is the Bet Giyorgis (pictured at the top). Despite being a well-known attraction, the holy site remains truly authentic, with traditionally clad believers praying here on a daily basis, and no souvenir shops! Making a visit to this UNESCO site a truly unique experience.
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Lalibela is one of the country’s most religious sites, calling itself ‘New Jerusalem. It is named after King Lalibela, who is the man behind the construction of 11 churches, carved out of rock. Some are carved into the sides of valleys, others into deep ravines and many are linked by tunnels. The most impressive and recognisable church in the area is the Bet Giyorgis (pictured at the top). Despite being a well-known attraction, the holy site remains truly authentic, with traditionally clad believers praying here on a daily basis, and no souvenir shops! Making a visit to this UNESCO site a truly unique experience.
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Ethiopia is not only a spiritually inspiring location, it is also a home to endemic wildlife. The Simien mountains are a prime example of the magical vistas and treks that the country has to offer. Not for the faint-hearted, trekking along the dramatic ridges of the Simien mountains is a tough but highly rewarding adventure.
If you are looking for an authentic travel adventure, want to try some of the world’s best coffee, want to learn about the origins of Christianity, or if you want to learn more about Lucy, our famous ancestor, or the newly discovered (and yet to be named!) 3.8 million year old ancestor, then Ethiopia is a great place for your next adventure holiday.
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If you are looking for an authentic travel adventure, want to try some of the world’s best coffee, want to learn about the origins of Christianity, or if you want to learn more about Lucy, our famous ancestor, or the newly discovered (and yet to be named!) 3.8 million year old ancestor, then Ethiopia is a great place for your next adventure holiday.
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