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 Community Consent

Emblem

SNNPR Kembata-Tambaro Zone

Culture, Tourism and Government Communication

Main Department

Ref. No: KTZjCTGCAj276j2004

Date: October 11, 2011

To: The FDRE Ministry of Culture and Tourism

: Authority For Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (

ARCCH)

Subject: Regarding request for the inscription of Meskel by UNESCO as

intangible heritage of humanity

As briefly indicated above, the people of Kembata have a number of

cultural values which represent the identity of the people. One of these is
the Meskel National Holiday which has significant meaning to the people.

Therefore, we hereby send you the public request expressing the need for
the inscription of Meskel on the Representative List. We have also
attached the consent of the people that is expressed in their signature
regarding this request.

With regards,

Signed

Wondimu Damtew Haile

Coordinator, Heritage Studies and Development

Basic Work Process

 The Celebration of Meskel among the Kembata

Introduction
Ethiopia is home of many nations, nationalities and peoples. Particularly,
the SNNPR (Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Regional State)
is home for 56 nations, nationalities and peoples. The Kembata people
have their own cultural values, language, judiciary system, cultural
events, dancing, wedding ceremony, funeral ceremony, and so on.
There are a number of public holidays that are celebrated by the
Kembata. Among these, Meskel is given the prime position and
significance. Before the celebration of Meskel approaches, the people
make preparation for long period of time.
During the celebration of Meskel} relatives, family members and other
members of the community who have been living apart come together for
the celebration of Meskel. Moreover, those who have a quarrel among
themselves make peace on this holiday. Furthermore, Meskel is
celebrated by all community members, including the needy, who receive
assistance from the well to do community members.
On Meskel} a person can borrow money without having to bring collateral
or guarantee, because it is widely accepted among the people that, more
than on the other days, the borrower has social and moral obligation to
pay his or her debt. Meskel is even considered as the main word to make
a vow and the vow by Meskel is honored by everyone. It is believed that
anyone who would breach this would incur or face bad things.
1. The Meaning of Meskel
411 Public holiday: Meskel is celebrated by the whole members of the
community without any discrimination among them based on
religion, sex, age, etc. The events of celebration are open to all to
participate.

2
Et Among the people of Kembata, Meskel is considered as the New
Year holiday. Therefore, the last weeks of the ending year are
counted, beginning from mid-June, in a descending way (week 12,
week 11, week 10, week 9, etc.) and the last week is the week in
which all agricultural activities are wounded up; and, the next
week in which Meskel is celebrated, would be taken as the
beginning of New Year.
Et Meskel is also used to tell the age of a person. A person's age is
calculated by counting the number of Meskel holidays celebrated
since the birth of the person.
• Meskel is also referred to as a word to be used to express one's
best wishes. It is common to bless a person by saying, for example,
"May you live for many Meskel".
Et As the Meskel holiday approaches, it IS common among the
Kembata people to make peace among those who have quarrels
among each other, in spite of the severity of the quarrel. The elders
take the initiative to bring the quarrelling parties together and
arbitrate them to let the bygones bygone, before the slaughtering of
an ox prepared for the Meskel feast.
2.The Event of Meskel
Meskel is a big event which requires the participation of all members
and groups of the community. Heads of households slaughter an ox
and divide the beef among themselves. The women take part in
preparing different cultural foods since the preparation period to the
last day of the feast.
The preparation made by mothers
.. Beginning from the month of January, they select the best species
of Inset (false banana) on their backyards and begin to process it
until it is ready for consumption .
.. Women organize themselves in groups and they gather In the

3
 house of the elderly among them to deposit butter (known as
Buur Wijjuta) they need for the Meskel feast and the butter
contributed at one occasion is given to one of the members and
the depositing of butter continues until all members get the
same.
et In the first week of the New Year, the Inset deposited in a ditch dug
in the backyard is dug out as required and a cultural food known
as Atkana, is prepared. The preparation of Atkana has long been
considered as the test of the catering skill of a woman,
et In the eve of Meskel, milk and butter is spiced well and served
along with Atkana.
The preparations made by men
et Among the Kembata people, men begin to prepare for the
celebration of Meskel by buying an ox to be slaughtered for the
feast. The cattle they bought are slaughtered and the meat is
divided among the households. At the end of the feast, they again
begin to contribute money to be deposited to buy an ox for the next
Meskel. The contributed money is kept with a group member that
is considered to be honest. The sum can be lent to anyone who is
desirous of credit in interest. Therefore, it is also used to create job
opportunities.
The role of children during Meskel
et Among the Kembata people, children are not required to make long
preparation for the celebration of Meskel. Nevertheless, before the
eve of New Year, the boys go to forest to fetch wood to be used to
prepare torches and bonfire or Demera.
Two types of torches are prepared for Meskel. The smaller one is
burnt by the young in the evening Atkana is served in the absence
of adult men, in front of the houses. While the bigger torch or chibo
is tied to a pillar in the middle of a house until the day on which

4
 the oxen for the feast are slaughtered. The bigger torch is prepared
by elder boys.
o The girls come together with their peers, and on the New Year, at
dusk, they leave together to find a grass known as Ingicha or Lenja
and distribute it among the elders in different households who
bless them growing up women without losing their virginity.
3.The Importance of inscribing of Meskel Festival by UNESCO
The inscribing of Meskel by UNESCO on the Representative list would
certainly increase the social, economic, cultural, political significance of
this event.
et In its social aspect, Meskel promotes the values of cooperation,
mutual respect, harmony, and so on.
o Economically, it encourages the practice of savmg financial
resource for common goal; makes money available to be used on
investment activities which create job opportunities.
El Politically, the events like the expression of wishes for the peace of
the country, good harvest, the wellbeing of the society, etc. before
the killing of an ox prepared for feast encourage peaceful
coexistence among the community at large.
• The coming together of all members of the community without any
distinction on any ground whatsoever promotes mutual respect,
harmony, recognition of differences, and so on.
o The celebration of Meskel also attracts tourists to the region.
Therefore, we are confident that, given the above mentioned
significances, the inscription of Meskel by UNESCO would certainly
increase the significance of the event. Thus, we request the inscription
and recognition of this cultural and highly popular feast on the list of
World Intangible Human Cultural heritage by UNESCO.

5
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0085800008

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Government & Public Relation office of Adlgrat
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Emblem:
The Government of Regional State of Tigray
Government & Publie Relation Offiee of Adigrat
Ref No: 2/2-565/10/02
Date: 22/01/2012
To: Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa
Subject: Regarding the request for the inseription of Meskel by
UNESCO as world intangible heritage, and sending the eonsents of
various groups of the eommunity
As briefly indieated above, it is to be reealled that we have been asked to
gather the support of various seetions of the residents of our town to
have the Meskel Festival inseribed on the UNESCO representative list.
Aeeordingly, we have eolleeted and send you the petition signed by 200
residents of our town who represent various religious groups and
oeeupational eategories, along with this eover letter.
With regards,
Signed
Eden Teklay Tikue
Viee Dean, Government Publie Relations Offiee
Seal
The Government of Regional State of Tigray
Government & Public Relation Office of Adigrat

14
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h«b;r'f r} rm-fl<fC; Ilrf. 1l1'(Dct\Y..' OTJO;J'1C hr}~.:rt\C; onil4>t\ flnlr.pr rllllr
OTJ otiC; l' fln:};:r7 :e:-flt\ :"Cil~1' h(Dc:"C; II "?~f. flllllr OTJ UfllO-fl O. "Ifl ~ llllr
illl n.r)~\"*·f r~fllr:" ilot\ rll(Dc(ll flll'1Ir'f7 r'1~;:r "?7fJ;r 1't\:" 1l(Dc'};:r1f
OllS illlOll. C:;' l (Dc fl :,.Cil ~ 1~ Il OTJ ilon11'1-fl nil &.t\1.OJ. T 1.+ v' I\c h r}.tt Y-.l "?t\'}
Iln. l'\" f *' :,. Cil If' C; l' fJ Ililt\ ffl7 Il OTJ:"l fJ'f7 fl &, COTJ 1-'}
hC;l;JOJfflIl7::
Emblem:
SNNPR Guraghe Zone Culture, Tourism and
Government Communication Affairs Main Department
---~~~~
Ref. No: GjZjCjT j
Date: 08 j 11 j 20 11
To: Authority For Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Subject: Regarding request for the inscription of Meskel by UNESCO
as an intangible heritage of humanity
We would like to make known that we hereby send you the public
suggestion and request forwarded with regard to the inscription of
Meskel by UNESCO as an intangible international heritage and list of
names of people who confirmed their consent with their signature along
with this cover letter.
With regards,
Signed
Mengistu Abera Zerfe
Coordinator, Culture and Tourism Work Process
Cc:
To Zonal Office
Wolkite
Seal
SNNP Region Guraghe Zone Culture, Tourism and Government
Communication Affairs Department

9
Meskel began to be celebrated at a national holiday in relation to the
finding of the True Cross of Christ. Nevertheless, all the nations,
nationalities, and peoples of Ethiopia celebrate Meskel in such a way that
it is compatible with their specific culture and tradition. In addition to its
religious significance, Meskel has an age-old connection with the values
of Ethiopians. The nations, nationalities and peoples of the SNNPR
celebrate Meskel with great devotion. Particularly, the Guraghe people
celebrate Meskel as the first and foremost holiday for so long.
It has to be noted that Meskel has been celebrated by the Guraghe for
centuries for its social and cultural significance, in addition to its
religious importance.
Some of the main significances of the celebration of Meskel include:
ID During the celebration of Meskel, relatives, family members and
other members of the community who have been living apart come
together for the celebration of Meskel. Moreover, those who have a
quarrel among themselves make peace on this holiday.
Furthermore, Meskel is celebrated by all community members,
including the needy, who receive financial support from the well to
do members of the community.
ID Meskel is also referred to as a word to be used to express one's
best wishes. It is common to bless a person by saying, for example,
"May you live for many Meskel".
ID As the Meskel holiday approaches, it is common among the
Guraghe people to make peace among those individuals who have
quarrels and also resolve social disagreements, in spite of the
severity of the quarrel. The elders take the initiative to bring the
quarrelling parties together and arbitrate them to let the bygones
bygone, before the slaughtering of the oxen prepared for the Meskel
feast.
ID Meskel provides an opportunity to share expenence and ideas on

10
 how to strengthen social bonds and livelihood activities.
III The rites of blessing the good to the country, the newly born, the
neighbors, etc., take place during Meskel.
III It provides an opportunity to the youth to select their future
spouses when they meet to dance at the dancing event known as
Adabna.
• It also creates an opportunity to discuss on the activities to be
implemented at family and community levels throughout the year.
In addition to its religious significance, Meskel has an age-old
connection with the values of Ethiopians. The coming of many foreign
tourists to the country to attend the event is very encouraging. The
nations, nationalities and peoples of the SNNPR celebrate Meskel with
great devotion. Particularly, the Guraghe people celebrate Meskel as
the first and foremost holiday for so long. It has to be noted that
Meskel has been celebrated by the Guraghe for centuries for its social
significance, in addition to its religious importance. Therefore, we are
confident that, gIven the above mentioned significances, the
inscription of Meskel by UNESCO would certainly increase the
significance of the event.

11
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 _ _ _ _20o_ _

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Ministry of Culture and Tourism Authority for
Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Holy ,Cross of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts
which have spiritual, cultural and social significances. The feast has been observed by
the Ethiopians all over the country. In relation to its religious importance by the
members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the feast has deep social and
cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation and renewal; that connect many
nations and nationalities in all parts of the country.

Therefore, we faithfully request the inscription and recogmtIOn of this historical,

religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list of world intangible human heritage
by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support all efforts being undertaken
in this regard.
Peace in Christ

251-111-552211
1283 (,,q,i'I ,'till)
lln.Tr-*,y &..y.t-i\ee ~.quht-o.Yee OD1OJP"~'
llll:hAS '1::(',119" OIl. ~.ll1;C I\:"Cll 'l'CJ,~,CJ 'l'1l.4' lll\P'6\fll1
~l~.ll hllll

foullepA Ol}A (0l}1'\ oullepA) f1..r1"·"} f/l9""t'l1"·"}c; fouy,...n.?'T"} fll.ft'rll hCilf'il'} o/~il
ouilepA OU?1'}' 9"h,,}Y'}' 001J~'l''l OPJCl}1' il9"A/1'}' fOll.hOC Ol}A ~OJ':: 0l}1'\, (1,.,. hCil1:f'} M'JICl.e,
OouOJ<fTJ·l· 011nbt-eec; 0l}1'\9" ilep4-ee ~lP. h9" .rhl1t-rOJ< Ol}"t,l- OflJ9" l1~~c; ·1'OJ~~· ou'}t.I'\eec;
Oll"lOt-ee Oo,,}- YI'\OJ' Ol}A ~OJ':: 0l}1'\- Oou"tOJ< mt-T'} fOll.hOC l'I.lf,,} Oh:l-r-a'Y "C·Y'f'.hil 1-epihf'.
(1,.1' hCil1:Y"} OJ<il'f 1l1'\0J< '1}!.OlllJ.ree 'l-C?-9"c; PJCl}'}' Oou~I'\'l' O'OH- f Int- 1"."} l1clnC'1"·c;
11 c1nl 1'1 (l1"' t1"}~' 'fAo/ flf~ fou"·I'\t'I·O'1 fli:o/C'1 fOJ~~~'l''1 fou.r~il ·l·c?-9" YI'\OJ' Ol}A ~OJ'::
ilI'\H.U }!.U"}"} Ol}A 0l}1'\9" ilepli: J'.lP. Or.~,il/1 h'M•.rOJo/c; h'}~.ouH?l1 hfmfo/,,} M.V- t'I.ClA
fdCJ.~l ?OJ"} 'fl'l' Ohli:"'~ Il.e:c; 4~'l' h "}~ "l'I.I'\'}::

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Ministry of Culture and TOUl'ism
To. Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our
Lord, Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have
spiritual, cultural, and social significances. The feast has been obsel'ved by Ethiopian all over the
country. In relation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Ol'thodox
Tewahedo ChUl'ch, the feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect,
cooperation, and renewal; that connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country.
Thel'efore, we faithfully request the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious,
cultural and highly popular feast in the list of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO;
we also extremely appreciate and support all efforts being undel'tal{en in this regard.

"l ACl "L"

1'\'00'0 OJo/~.lI ;r,l'CYCh Ar. W/(1,'l-
1'\0//1'/(1,·1' ou~ihli:'l' OJouHhC ou9" tY
il~.il ilOCl
 .••.•••.•....•. , </>1

To. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of
our Lord, Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts
which have spiritual, cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by
Ethiopian all over the country. In relation to its religious importance by the members of
the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the feast has deep social and cultural
meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that connect many nations and
nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we faithfully request the inscription
and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list of
world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and
support all efforts being undertaken in this regard.

No Full Name with Title Occupation Signature

1.

2.

Sincerely Yours
 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa
The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of tne true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. 1t is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the country. 1n
relation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we faithfully request the
inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list of
world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support an efforts
being undertaken in this regard.
'l'avocf>t\ (lo,t\ ((lo,t\ avocf>t\) n,rfl 'l'h9Dt\l1fle; 'l'av~"''z.,rfl 'l'h.'I'o.o hCofool O/,{}.O avocf>t\ av7]t
9DhlJ't (lCJlf~l..cTJ (lPCo,'i' h9Dt\rt 'l'lTIl.h(lC (lo,t\ ~ar:: (lL~n- (l,'i' hCM:J'l ;~ClCl,e (l av arr1Jt (ll1rh,t-'ee; (l0,t\9D
hep~ ~l~ h9D,rhl1Mfar (lo,t\t (lr1J9D 1l~C;:e; 'i'lD~:e: av"ut/leee; CJIf'7(l&.ee oo,t J't\ar (l0,G\ ~ar:: (lo,n- (lavt\ar
V7t·fl \,lTIl.h(lC (un (lh. t~kJ' "CfoP-ho 'i''PchP- (l,'i' hCM:J'l arO'I' l1t\ar y,eCJlfCf,ree tC1'9D (lav~c'!t (H1H'
'l'u7&.fl '(lrh,£:'fe; '(lrh,lc'l(lf Hl~ 'I't\o/ 'l'lf~ 'I'(lD'i't'tc'l11: 'I'~.pc: 'l'lD~~~t: \,(lD,r~o tC1'9D J't\ar (lo,t\ 'tar:: oi\lW
,eVll (lo,t\ (lo,t\9D hcf>~ ~l'ft; (lV-~or hl"t,rlD.pe; hl"t av H711 Mm'l'.pl t\tLlF t'LClt\ \'lTIl.~l7ar·} 'I't.T (lh~'I''1
lJ':Cjef.1· it '}.e. <114--t\1: :

~ -~uur=~hh c'lt\~=-=o,-=9D=-=.e.;:-UO'--:::l1-=Cn-::-::Y1;:-o_9D------~--:tL-:J>-:-ar-,---:::cl-.:-r-1'--=~:-;-:-Ci'f---
+---------:7~____f__-_1
L__ Me1'ake Selam Amde Brehan Cour.cil of Scholars
I avt\h ,r(lC 'i''{i(lD H&lFl
2. t'L:J>arlt 1'Cllb
__ ~ Melake Tabor Teshome Zerihun Council of Scholars
3. . t'Lcf> l1ve;t hl6-. 711Clbt\ ht\,r~ t'L:J>arlt 1'Cllb
I~_ _~Li~k~e~K~ah~i~n~at=-!k~n~i{-;~e;G~e~b~ri~e1~A~l~ta~y~e -L-~C~o~un~c~il~o~f~S~c~h~ol~ar~s~_-J,~~~:::t=:SL:::::~-J
4. t'Lcf> PV-CJlfl &..e. hOlo t'L:J>arlt 1'Cllb I
Like Siyuman Rade Asres Council o{US-=ch-o-;-la-r-s- - - I I
5. t'Lcf> CJlfhfJD&.l l1CY~ (lDocf>t\ hme;------+-t'L-;;-:J>----;---=:ar--:::,:-.;t-1'--=Cl::-;-lb----j--'~'v'\7"-=-----j
. Like Maemiran Brihane Meskel At'ena Council of Scholars I
6. t'Lcf> '7-rJ'1 (lDlcTJP1: l1ut t'L:J>lD'lt 1'Cllb
Like Hiruyan Mengistu Kasa Council of Scholars
7. av;J(l, rh"tO 'I'(lfl' avrn t'L:J>drlt 1'Cllb
I Megabe Hadis Tibebu Mekonnen Council of Scholars
8. t'Lcf> CJlfh9D&.'} l1CY~ avocf>t\ 7MlF {I...:t>arlt 1'Cllb
Like Maemiran Brihane Meskel .Gebeyehu Coun' f Scholars
=---------"""=

Sincerely Yours!
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa
The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. lt is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the country. ln
relation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church,
the feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we faithfully request
the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the
list of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support
all efforts being undertaken in this regard.
~aDllcpA !1~A (n~l\ oollcpA) n,rf'} ~h9Dt\l"tf'}l]' ~OO~i'z;,rf'} ~it.~o-ll hCllof.ll'} q,'{}'ll oollcpA OO7'1t
9Dh'}j't nOll~l"1 nF'CO,1' h9DAr+ ~£Jll.hnC n~A ~ar:: n~l\- (1,1' hCM:,l''} ~Illl.e noo arf1Jt nfldbt-eec;
n~l\9D hcpfi: J.l~ h9D;J"'hflt-:rar n~t\t nf1J9D 1I~~C; 1'm.~:e: OO'}{{/I'fC; Ollint.'f on,t ~l\ar n~A ~ar:: no,l\-
noot\ar U7t.f'} ~£Jll.hnC ll.!f,} nit.t~k,l' "Cof.P-hll1''P(hP- (1,1' hCM:j''} arll'P l"tl\ar '1.eOlllJ,r'f tC'r9D noo~ct;r
nfltr ~v7t.f'} f1dbcfc; f1dblOnf H,}~ 'PAq, ~!f~ ~oo·t·llofl: ~fi:q,C: ~m~:e:~t: \,oo,rJ.ll tC1'9D j'l\ar no,6\.
~ar:: lll\tLV .ev'}'} n~A n~l\9D hcpfi: J.l~ nv,i.llr h'}-'t,rmq,C; h'}-'tOOH7f1 Mm~q,'} l\H.rr Ml6\ ~£Jll.J.l7ar'}
'Plt !1hl.;-;:1'~ ~c;# h'}J."1'i--l\'}::

9. ooAhh f1C'Ic;t hll of;9J~Cll oollfi:'} (I_:J>ar'}t 'rllh.

Mel'ake Brehan Abba Tewidros Mesfin Council of Scholars

11. OOjC hll1'hl\ ,l'tn~ ll.:J>ar'}t 'rllh.

Memihir Abba Tekle Yared Counc.il of Scholars
12. I OO/C fi:tn llflrht J.nl\ ll.:J>ar'}t 'rllh.
Memihir Fresibehat Debele Council of Scholars
13.

15.

16.
1-----------------1---===--------1

Sincerely Yours!
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and consel'vation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our LOI'd,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all ovel' the country. In
relation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Thel'efore, we faithfully request
the inscdption and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly populat· feast in the list
of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appl'cciate and support all
cfforts being undcl'taken in this reganl.
l'oo{J<f'A ll'}A ((J'}II 00 (J4'A) 1'1,:f'1~"} I'h?"I\}I'f"C; I'OO.r.··~'L:f''f··} 1'li.I'O·{J hC{Jf·{J·} :t>~.{J ooMA ao'rH·
rh'H"}' llCTCfJ?;l"l ll;VC'H h?"Ap'}' I'CTCf.hllC ll'}A '/lD':: ll'}lI· fl,./, t1CfI1:,f'1 ~\.r.ClCl.e llooaJ·nl-l- nlllh,t,'P.'I (llM9°
)\1'1.'P. J?lP. h9°:f'h·nt-:faJ· ll,}I\')' ll~?" 1/',11'1 "-aJ~~ oo·}tJl.'P.C; CTCf"lllt-'P. o{}..}, fllaJ' (ll}A 'Ull':: ll'}t'l· naol\aJ'
U'lt-'f" I'CTCf.hllC t'l.tf·} IlId'\")\-Y ~lc·r·p,ll{J "''P;hP, fl,./, t1C{J·t,f'1 ar{J1' I]t'lar 'I j!,CTCf<;';J''P. ·i·C'I-?"'I ;VC'}'i'
llao'/lt·}, ll·ml, fU7t-'f"} ·n<lbC''f·C; 1l,lblo(l'f' WH'; 1'A~' I'ln l'oo·/'ltoll: 1'~:t>C: f'aJ~:e:~·)·l; 1'00:t·'\',{J -I-C'1'9"
fll(1)' ll'}A '/0)':: MtI.u j!,UT} ll'}A ll'}t'l?" h'I',/: 5'.tp. llf.'I,{Jp hVt:f'aJ:t>'I h·M.o°ll'l"ll M'mN'"} (utu- (VIA
f''''l.J?l·I(1).') rill'}' llh~'/'11 h.r.·c.'"".). h'J?"l1.II'}::

Sincerely Yours
 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebJ'ation of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the countJ'y, In
relation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and J'enewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we faithfully request
the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list
of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and SUppOJ't all
efforts being undertaken in this regard.
f'aoMA W}A (WM ao{J'PA) f'17':f"} f'nr't\~I'",'}'i' f'ao.e,"n.7':f"} f'n.f'O·{J t/C{J-j'.{j'} ~,p,.{J ao{j</,t\ ao?]')'
9"10)"'[' flOTJ.e,'t:1 flP'C'H' nr'AP')' f'OTJ.hflC fl'}A 'HD':: fl'}t'\' (1,,/. t/c{J,tn M'JlfI,(',. flao(IJ'fIl:/' fl·fldht-'P.r, fl'}t'\r'
M'1,'P. J'.l='l hr':NJ'flt-~:(IJ' fl'}t\·), flfllr' 1/'l1r, '/'(IJP'~ ao'}t.tt<l~r, OTJ'~flt-'P. Md· )"t'\(IJ' Wtt\ ',(IJ':: fl'}t'\' flaot\ar
v'j,H','} f'°'/.h!lC Q(/', nid'f"7;')" )',C·I\".t/{J ,r'P;hP· (1,,/. t/c{J,tn (IJNr ~1t'\(IJ' 'I,(',Oll';';J·'P. +CH"Cj pC'}'['
nao~t'\·[, fl·flH· r V'lt-':f''} 'fldhC'':f'r, 'flC/hlO(l':f' H'}.e,· '1'A.p f' (/", f'ao,/·t'\MP f'~.pc: f'(IJP'.P;',.).r, f'ao 7 J'.{J ')'CH"
)"t'\m· !I'}A 'UD':: MH,U ,(',UT} fl,}t\ fl'}t'\9" n1'~ J'.l='l fl~~,MI h'}p,.7m.pr, h'}P'polI'l'fl hf'mf'T'} tlltv, O,f1(,\
fa'l.J'.l'W)·'} '!'l-)- flM>/'lj' n.e,·C;.y,·)· l,'}J'."l1.t'\'}::

I
r----t-

Sincerely Yours
To. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Reseal'ch and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the countl'y, In
relation to its religious impol'tance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we faithfully request
the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list
of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support all
efforts being undertaken in this regard.
rOll{j1't\ flqt\ (flqll OIlll1'A) r1.;t'1·'} rhr ,'lt11''}c; rOD~")~,;H~'} rn.rO·lI l1CMN} q,p,.lI 0Il1l1'/'\ OD1-'ir)·
9°!Of} flO11~'l"l flFC'}1- hrt\p-}' r"'1.hflC flqt\ ~lD-:: flqll· 111' l1ClI-tn n.r.clCJ,t', flOlllD-tTJ'}· nl1,h,t-o/.'; flqll9"
o
h"''l.o/. .l'.lll h9°;rh'flt-:fa)· flqt\-}· fltTJr 11~?"c; '/'a).l~?: OIl'UAo/.c; "'1"lflt-o/. (l.,). film· flqt\ ~a)·:: nqtl· flOllt\m·
U'lt-:r·'} r°'1.hflC t'l.1f1 flh:H'~-f ;'Cf·P.hll ,j-'P<'hf'. 11"- hClI-tn mNr l-Jtlm· '1,(',"'1';,;ro/. '}-CHuc; FCq,)·
nOD '/1\:,' flof!H· r mt-1"} 'fl<lbC'1-c; 'fl,Ibl(l(l:Y. In~' 'Pt\ q. r If 'I rOll'/'i\O'fl' rif:q'c: rmP,~"/'}'C; rOll;r.l'.1I -}'Cl-9"
ftlm· flqt\ 'w)-:: M/lU ,e,u'}'} flqt\ flqtl9" h1'if: .l'.lll fl~'z.lIp hVl.;rmq.c; h'}P,.OIll1'l'fl hrmrq.'} tlH.V· (l.llt\
r a ·U.t.lm·'} 'Pt.'}- flh<t:,g' h~'c;q,'}' h'}.l'."l4.tI'}::

Sincerely Yours
To. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the country. In
relation to its religious impol'tance by the members of the Ethiopian Ol,thodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. TherefOl'e, we faithfully request
the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list
of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support all
efforts being undertaken in this regard.
\'tTD{l'I'A O'}A (O'}t'l tTDMA) \"1.;1'1'1 \'h?"I'lt11'1CJ \'tTDJ'."~'I.;1':r1 \'h.\'o'll tlCM'll'} ~'~.ll uDMA U D1''i-)·
?"h'}r,), O°'1f?:l"'l OPC'}"· h?"AP')' \,mz.hnC O'}A ~ar:: O'}t'l· (1,'" hCll,t.n MJlfl,(', o tTDLD' nl:/' O·lI{h,t-'P.CJ O'}/W"
M<J·'P. f?l>l h9";J'h'lIt-:fLD' lI'}t\·)· lInJ?" '11~I1CJ "'LD~:0 tTD'MJl.'P.CJ OTJ'~lIt-'P. In).:/· rt'lLD' O'}A 'tar:: O'}t'l· lIUDt\ar
U'1t-1"} \'°'l.hllC o.rf'} md'r-k r ~,c·r·p.tlll ·1'CP;hf'. (1,.,. hCll·tn arll'l' qt'lLD' 'i ,(',OTJ<:';1''P. ')'C1-?"CJ PC'},)·
OUD'/i)')' lI'lIH, \'U'lt-:V} lldbC':rCJ 'Odblo(l1' InJ'.' 'l'A.p \'U"/ \,tTD"'i)o'O j \,~.pCj \'LD~:e.:'d·CJ \,UIJ;1'f?ll ')-C'1'9"
rOLD- WtA 'tar:: llt'Illu ,(',u'}'} O'}A WM?" h.p~ J'.l}j Or.'/,{}tl ~\'}~.;1'LD;"CJ h'}~.tTDH1'fl M'mN'} M.U· t1.flA
fOTJ.J'.l·lLD·'} 'l'l'). Oh~"'11 hJ'.·CJ.y,·)· h'}.(',"l<J.t'l'}::

Sincerely Yours
To. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa

The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord,
Savior, and God Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual,
cultural, and social significances. The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the country. In
"elation to its religious importance by the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the
feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect, cooperation, and renewal; that
connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the countl'y. Therefore, we faithfully request
the inscription and recognition of this historical, ,'eligious, cultural and highly popular feast in the list
of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; ,ye also extremely appreciate and support gl!
efforts being undertaken in this regard.
f'ooM6\ fl'i6\ (fl'it'l 00 (j'I'6\) f'1.;r:V} f'h9" 'ltli-'}'1 f'00~")'I.;J·1~'} f'n.f'n·{j hC{}f-{j'} :"~.{j 00{j'I'6\ 001''j-},
'
9°h'},l'-)- ()CflI~'t."l flP'C'i'/' h9"6\/1')' f'CflI.nnc fl,}6\ '1ar:: fl'it'l· lb'" hC{j-I;,f'1 n.rJlfl,e floo01'ffJ')' flll<lbt-'P.'1 fl'it'l9"
h4'tj.'P. .l',t.}'{ h9";rhllt-f01' fl,}I\')' fllTJ9" 1"/ij"'1 "'01~J': u o1&'''''P.'1 CflI..,flt-'P. o(),-).
f't'lo1' fl'i6\ '101':: fl,}t'I- !l 00 1\01-
V1t-1~1 f'CflI.nnC n.If'} flh.."f-r-k f' /lC-f·P.tl{j ,/.'1' ,hP. lb-" hC{j·tY'} ar{j'1' tlt'lar LJ )!,CflI';';J-'P. :"C'}-9°'1 P'C'}:"
fluo'/"")' fl·l\l1· f'V'It-i'1 'fl,h,C':r'1 ·fl<l\>t.n(l1~ In~- '1'6\:" f'1f'1 f'uo-,.o)()·fl: r~~'c: f'01~:£>:.'r}.'1 f'oo;r.l'.{j -)'CHo
,('t'lo1- fl'}t.'\ 'laJ':: MI1.u ,euT} fl'it.'\ fl'}t'l9" /I""I~ .l'.t.}'{ flf.'f,{j/1 h'}~.;r01'l''1 71·}~.001i'1·fl hrmH'} M.1l- ().lJt.'\
r O U.t.'101-1 'I'd, fll1li~'/'ij" h~''1.y.·)· h'}J'."ltj.t'I'}::

Sincerely Yours
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Authority for Research and conservation of Cultural Heritage
Addis Ababa
The feast of Meskel is the liturgical celebration of the finding of the true Cross of our Lord, Savior, and God
Jesus Christ. It is one of the most popular, ecclesiastical feasts which have spiritual, cultural, and social significances.
The feast has been observed by Ethiopian all over the country. In relation to its religious importance by the members
of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the feast has deep social and cultural meanings such as love, respect,
cooperation, and renewal; that connect many nations and nationalities, in all parts of the country. Therefore, we
faithfully request the inscription and recognition of this historical, religious, cultural and highly popular feast in the
list of world intangible human heritage by the UNESCO; we also extremely appreciate and support all efforts being
undertaken in this regard.
l'ovflcPtt O'~tt (O'M OVflcPtt) n;J-:f'} I'h9"I\I1:f'}IJ l'ov~''Ii;r:f'} 1'Ji..I'l'l-fl hcM-fl,} :t>~fl ovflcPtt ov'l7':r 9"h'}J"'" OlTlf~l"1
OPCDI'I- h9"tttt:r l''''l.hOC o"ttt 'IlD<:: O"tt\- fl.1' hC01:J'1 ~ClCl,e OOVlD<fl}:r 01ldbt-ceC; o"tt\9" hep~ J'.a; h9";J-hllMFlD< O"tl\:r WlJ9"
'If'l'1c; 1'w.ll~ OV'}6/lceC; lTIf"lot-ce on.:r J't\lD< o"ttt 'Iw-:: o"tt\- (JOVI\lD< V'It-:f') \''''l.hnc (un OJi..:rI"?lJ' }\c.y.f.M 1''Ptfif. fl..:. hCM:Yl
lD<{J'P MlD< Y,elTlfCf;J-ce :rC'1'9" Oov'll'J:r 01ltr \'V'It-:f'} lldbC':fIJ lldbll'ln:f H,}~ 'Ptt:t> \'If'! l'ov1'l'Jl'Ill: I'~:t>c: I'w.ll~H: l'ov;J-.i:fl
:rC'l-9" J't\lD< O"ttt '!lD<:: M/W ,ev'}'} O"ttt O"tMD .\ep~ f./.'P; O~~{Jtt h'}.ll.;J-W:t>IJ h'}.ll.OVH'Ill hl'm\':t>'} t\/Lrr t'l.0tt 1''''l.J'.l'lW-'} 'Pd-
Oh~1'li ~C;# h,}J'."14-t\'}::

Sincerely Yours!