Mothers' Day in Ethiopia - A Fall Celebration!

Mothers Day is an extra special day in Ethiopia. In fact, Mothers day lasts for three days in Ethiopia. Not only is it a day to honor mothers, it also comes at the end of the rainy season which is something special of its own. Instead of celebrating Mothers day in May, in Ethiopia Mothers Day comes mid-fall. During mothers day, the people enjoy a three-day feast called "Antrosht". Ethiopians celebrate by making their way home when the weather clears for a large family meal and their three-day celebration. For the feast the children will bring ingredients for a traditional hash recipe. The ingredients are divided along gender lines, with girls bringing butter, cheese, vegetables and spices while the boys bring a bull or lamb. The mother prepares the hash and hands it out to the family.

After the meal a celebration takes place. The mothers and daughters ritually anoint themselves with butter on their faces and chests. They dance while the men sing songs in honor of family and heroes. This cycle of feasting and celebration lasts three days. You can add an Ethiopian spirit to your Mothers Day with recipes like this one.

Ethiopian Celebration Punch INGREDIENTS: 1 cup orange juice 1 cup lemon juice 1 cup pineapple juice 2 cups white grape juice 1 cup raspberry flavored syrup 2 1/2 quarts club soda fresh mint leaves, to garnish 1. Combine all ingredients in the order given in a large punch bowl. 2. Garnish with the mint leaves. Find more articles about African holidays and culture by clicking here. Find even more recipes on the Africa Imports web site or by Clicking Here.