Timket
This photo reportage documents how Ethiopians celebrate Timkat
Timkat is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. It is a three-day celebration, beginning on the Eve of Timkat with the procession of the Tabot (a model of the Ark of the Covenant which is present on every Ethiopian altar, ie, the ten commandments) which is wrapped in rich cloth and born in procession on the head of the priests. The Tabot represents the manifestation of Jesus as the Messiah when he came to the Jordan for baptism. On the first day, the procession of the Tabot is taken near a stream or pool of water where it is stored inside a special ceremonial tent for the evening. The following day, the body of water is blessed and then sprinkled on the participants symbolically renewing their baptismal vows.This reportage follows the people of Ambo, Ethiopia as they celebrate one of the most important Orthodox festivals in Ethiopia