If you walk by Cardinal Café in Sharbot Lake on the evening of January 30, you might find yourself thinking you're in Leipzig, Germany, transported back almost 300 years, to where famed German composer Johann Sebastian Bach is previewing his newest creations to small groups in a coffee shop there called Café Zimmermann.

A concert of baroque chamber music is happening at 7pm on Saturday, January 30th 2016. The evening will feature Edwin Huizinga on violin and Phillip Fournier on harpsichord, performing mostly Bach compositions, such as his G Major Sonata and his E Major Partita, which features some of his most famous music. They'll also be performing a piece by French composer Jean-Marie Leclair.

“We love this piece,” Huizinga said about the Leclair sonata they will be performing. “It is very different than Bach and gives us a window into Germanic baroque versus French baroque.”

The pieces that Huizinga and Fournier have chosen to perform feature some solo violin, some solo harpsichord, as well as multiple pieces that feature both instruments together.

“I'm dying to hear solo harpsichord in that space” Huizinga said enthusiastically.

The harpsichord, similar to a piano in many ways, has a very unique sound as the strings of the instrument are plucked as opposed to struck with hammers like the piano.

Huizinga said that they are planning to talk a little about the history of the pieces they will be playing so it's a great opportunity for those new to classical music to get their first taste of it live.

“Large concert halls can seem inaccessible for some” Huizinga said about his ambition to bring this music outside of its traditional performance spaces. “Tickets starting at $145 and a four-hour concert doesn't make it easy for people looking for an entry point into classical music” Huizinga said regarding playing large concert halls. “Also, it's not nearly as  people.”

Huizinga has done both though, playing to audiences large and small, and reminisced warmly about getting the opportunity to play in Stevie Wonder's band at the Air Canada Centre last year to a packed house.

“The highlight for me happened when he played Imagine by John Lennon, for Lennon, on his birthday, and at the end of the song he was in tears. It was so powerful. 25,000 people singing along.”

“One of my goals in life is to bring the music I love to the people,” Huizinga mentioned.“Whether that's in cafés in Toronto, to underprivileged kids in Big Sur, or small communities in the country.”

Huizinga is a founding member of Classical Revolution, a group of musicians from San Francisco that started playing music at a café every Sunday in 2003 and which blossomed into a cultural and musical movement of professional musicians performing chamber music in non-traditional spaces. There are currently over 50 versions of Classical Revolution happening throughout the world.

“Cardinal Café is the most ideal spot to hear and play chamber music,” Huizinga said. “It's very similar to how it would've been
presented originally in Leipzig. Also, it has the lake, frozen, on both sides and it's going to be so beautiful.”

“Playing music in smaller rooms like this is the best!” Huizinga said. “It's unpretentious, raw, and real!”

Huizinga has a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory and a Masters of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Philip Fournier is Organist & Music Director of the Toronto Oratory.

The concert starts at 7:00 pm; tickets are $20 and are available at Cardinal Cafe and online at cardinalhandmade.com.

Those not able to travel to far-flung, sunnier climes this winter might want to take a quick trip to the MERA (McDonald's Corners/Elphin Recreation and Arts ) school house in McDonalds Corners to take in a show of photographs by Abigail Gossage titled "Memories of Mexico 1958".

Gossage, who lives in Ottawa and has a summer house in the area, has been taking photographs since she was a young child at summer camp, first with an old Teco camera. This show harkens back to photographs Gossage took in 1958 as an 18-year-old when she joined her mother on a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Since then Gossage became a professional photographer and has been working alongside three other female photographers, who together, eight years ago formed the collective Studio 255.

Gossage, who also studied for years and recently graduated from the School of Photographic Arts Ottawa (SPAO), credits her current art curator and mentor Michael Tardioli, the director of SPAO, who encouraged her to take a second look at these early black and white photographs. Back in 1958, she didn't recognize them as particularly special. “Back then, I didn't think that these negatives were worth anything until my daughter and I started going through them and I made a small book of prints. I took them to Michael who said, ‘You have a show here.’”

Since their rediscovery Gossage has realized that even at the tender age of 18, she “had a good eye. “ The photographs were taken on a Yashica Mat camera that produces high quality 2.5 inch square negatives, which is partially what gives these images their pleasing clarity and crispness. However as a young photographer, Gossage also had the ability to intuitively hone in on the elements of formal composition without necessarily being able to articulate them. “Back then I was unaware of rules of composition and what's interesting is that now, I think that if I were put into the these same situations again, I would take the same exact same pictures. My eye, I think, has stayed the same and a lot of these photographs still really appeal to me.”

When asked to explain her style, Gossage said, “I wander and I react. I am not the kind of photographer who has specific projects in mind beforehand. Back then and still now I like to wander and discover the art in what I am seeing as I view it right then and there.”

As an example of this, one photograph in the show titled “Movie Extras”, was a scene Gossage came upon by accident where cast members were taking a break while shooting a film on the street. The scene is both relaxed yet somehow unnatural. An extra in fancy attire looks bored with his hand in pocket while the soldiers on horseback seem tense while waiting for the camera to roll. Similarly, her night time market scenes have a certain intimacy and directness, and their soft focused lighting makes them seem like immaculately designed stage sets, with their multiple layers of objects and dense amount of detail. Another photograph shows two seemingly decapitated ceramic clowns (which Gossage thinks were perhaps piñatas), sitting on stone stairs. The effect is other-worldly, and the viewer wonders what the particular significance of these heads may have been. The piece perhaps demonstrates how when certain customs and cultures of other places are taken out of context the result can be eerie and strange.

Composition comes easily to Gossage, who said that these pictures were not cropped but were printed as is, from the original negatives, making them truthful to what her young eye saw. The photographs are all printed in the same square format on 20” by 20” cotton rag paper, which makes the show hang together nicely as a unit though the subject matter is diverse.

The show attracted many locals, some of whom have visited Mexico, and Gossage easily engaged with them in conversations about the changes that have taken place in San Miguel since her first visit there. “It is now a lot more busy, full of cars and so many more tourists but behind all of that, the buildings and the scenery have not changed.” Gossage is currently working on a show that will open on March 17 at the Trinity Gallery at the Shenkman Centre in Ottawa. The working title for the show is “Disused Spaces” and the photographs will include photographs of abandoned commercial manufacturing sites no longer in use. The show will include photographs taken at the Howard Smith Paper Mill in Beauharnois, Quebec, Domtar in Gatineau, and the Babcock factory in St. Henri, Montreal. To see more work by this artist visit her website abigailgossage.ca

The Frontenac Heritage Festival will once again sponsor an overnight camp on Friday, February 12 at the Arden Community Hall. Bob Miller and Mike Procter will set up a re-creation of a trapper’s camp in the field beside the hall and we extend an invitation to anyone wishing to try a night of winter camping to join us. The camp will begin after supper and the heated hall will be open through the night for washrooms and to warm up if needed. Firewood will be available to keep a fire going or to cook marshmallows, make hot chocolate or taste Bob’s infamous camp coffee. Both Bob and Mike are experienced winter campers and have lived to laugh about camping in -35 degree weather (more cringing than laughing). Winter camping is something everyone should experience at least once, one item off your bucket list. The secret to a successful camp lies in the preparation and equipment. Forget about cotton T-shirts and summer sleeping bags, dressing in layers and wool blankets are the keys to a memorable camp and some of the newer synthetic long johns are quite useful. Also, having layers under you to insulate from the cold ground is essential. We have some extra blankets and mats available to lend on a first come basis and we will be happy to provide information about what you should bring. In the morning breakfast will be provided to all campers. There is no cost for the entire camp. Campers must pre-register quickly as space is limited. Please contact Mike at 613-279-2572 or 279-3151 to register or for further information.

Those with a love for fiddle music and looking to extend their holiday cheer for a few more days following the New Year did just that at the Blue Skies Community Fiddle Orchestra's 16th annual “Little Christmas concert”, which took place at the Maberly hall on January 3.

The concert, which was emceed by Linda Grenier, a member of the Long Sault Trio, showcased the all-ages, multi-generational group of fiddlers under the direction of their fearless leader, Cindy McCall. The concert opened with the sounds of the orchestra's newest beginner group, the prep orchestra, who have been playing together for just 11 short weeks. They demonstrated how far they have come in that short time with their confident version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and two favorite holiday carols.

The intermediate group, who have begun to explore harmonies, played next and nailed their three selections, which included “Old Toy Trains”, “Gypsy Wagon” and “Emilyn's Schottish”.

The next group to play was the Unspoken Rests, who last year opened for a concert at the same hall for the East Pointers. Grenier introduced them as “the cream of the crop” and “the area's future in fiddling” because of their desire to challenge themselves with faster, more complicated playing, and they certainly energized the audience with their impressive, polished selections that included “Winter Wonderland” and a lovely, rousing version of “Val's Dream”.

Grenier entertained the crowd with one of her own original tunes titled “Falling” while McCall prepared to lead The Lanarky Fiddlers Guild as the group's chosen new leader.

Members of the Lanarky group introduced their unique and highly entertaining selections, which included a number of tunes with vocal parts that were expertly performed by group members Gary Glover and Randy Weekes.

Last but not least to perform was the main orchestra, who took to the stage and performed a wide and eclectic program that included some Christmas singalong favorites as well as a number of fiddling carols like the Coventry, Breton and Galician carols. A number of original tunes were also included in their program, like “Lois and Richard's Trip to Harmony Junction” written for the Websters, who made the trip with the orchestra to PEI last summer. Other selections inspired by the group's summer trip included a medley of Acadian tunes: “The Sweetness of Mary”, “Kennedy St.” and “J. Dickies”, which demonstrated how travel can introduce new music and inspiration to players of all ages.

The concert closed with the warmly welcomed finale “Silent Night”, when the lights were dimmed and all the players on stage performed while the audience joined in with their voices in one last joyous outpouring of holiday fun.

Anyone wanting to learn more about the BSCFO can contact Cindy McCall at 613-278-2448 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Scots and other enthusiasts all over the world will celebrate Robbie Burns Day near his birthday. In the North of Seven area it shall be done at the Lions Hall in Northbrook on Saturday Jan 23. The Cloyne & District Historical Society who bring you this event, are particularly careful to not leave out any fun-filled traditions. Tartan will be worn; pipers will play; prime rib will be served; Scotch will be consumed; Auld Lang Syne will be sung; and the lads will dance with the lassies. Once again, the highlight of the evening shall be Gordon Sparks plunging his knife into the haggis as he addresses it. The tickets are limited in number and are $35, with a charitable receipt for part of it. The piper shall greet you as early as 5pm for a 6pm sitting. To reserve your place, call Ian Brumell at 613-336-2203 or Gordon Sparks at 613-336-0157

Are you a woman who loves to sing and is curious about joining a choir? The Frontenac Women’s Chorus is welcoming new members for January. No audition is necessary, and an ability to read music, although helpful is not required. Just bring your joy and enthusiasm for learning an exciting variety of songs with this friendly group – there’s a spot waiting for you! The choir rehearses on Monday nights at 7pm at Trinity United Church in Verona. Our first rehearsal for 2016 is Monday, January 11, but if you happen to miss it, don't worry. Come and join us for the next rehearsal. For additional information please contact Patty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-547-1148.

On December 6, Pastor Vernon Scott of the Sydenham Holiness Church introduced the Kingston Capital Men's Chorus to a large and enthusiastic crowd at a special holiday concert at the Southern Frontenac Community Services' Grace Centre in Sydenham. The free concert was sponsored by the church, with free will offerings supporting the Loughborough Christmas and Emergency Relief Committee (LC&ERC).

Sue Clinton, who chairs the committee, explained to the audience that the LC&ERC uses the donations to support those in need in the community through their annual Christmas basket program and year-round emergency relief funding.

The chorus, which is comprised of 35 male singers, was started seven years ago by conductor Ian Juby and John Cheesman and it was the choir's second concert at the center with Juby leading the group. Juby said that the Grace Centre has incredible acoustics and is the perfect venue for this kind of vocal group. “The high ceilings, wooden floor and the huge space here are great acoustically and we just love performing here”, he said when I spoke to him at the intermission.

The four-part choir, made up of first and second tenors, baritones and basses, is an accomplished vocal group who perform mainly in the Kingston area. They sing regularly at Hospice Kingston, at various retirement homes and at their annual spring concert at the Chalmers church in Kingston. Their Grace Centre program was diverse and impressive, opening with “Stars I Shall Find”, based on a poem written by Sarah Teasdale with music arranged and composed by Victor Young. They also sang many modern tunes including Gordon Lightfoot's “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”; Simon and Garfunkel's “The Sounds of Silence”; and one that they regularly perform at their Mother Day's concert, a tune called “I Think My Love So Fair”, written by modern composer Laura Farnell.

The group also sang a number of favorite Christmas carols like “We Three Kings”, “Away in a Manger” and “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth”, made famous decades ago by singers Bing Crosby and David Bowie. The gospel-based spiritual titled “Mary Had a Baby” amazed listeners with its huge moving and emotional ending.

The choir was accompanied by music teacher and pianist, Scott Pavey, who invited five of his students up to the stage to perform “Christmas in the Trenches “ a moving song that focuses on the soldiers who fought on opposing sides during World War 1, but who one Christmas were inspired to lay down their guns and join their voices together in song. A number of soloists also had their chance to shine in the group version of Josh Groban's tune “You Raise Me Up” with tenor singers John, Daryl and Lou taking the tenor leads throughout.

The audience was delighted to have a chance to join their voices to this accomplished group of singers and Juby is correct - the Grace Centre is the perfect venue to hear them celebrate the holiday season.

On December 6, the voices of the 45 members of the Tay Valley Community Choir filled the Maberly Hall with the sounds of joy in the group's 23rd concert to date.

The choir, which was formed in the fall of 2004, has been performing a wide and diverse repertoire, and their annual holiday concert, which this year was titled “Sing in the Joy”, as usual attracted a full house to the Maberly hall.

The four-part choir opened the concert with a tune aptly called “Open Up”, with various soloists singing the verse and the entire choir joining in in unison, and with celebratory hand clapping, which set the tone for a joyous afternoon of song. The group began by lining the walls of the hall, enveloping the listeners in their warm sound as they made their way onto the stage. A fancily clad Town Crier (Paddy O'Connor), also a member of the group, introduced the choir and the group's relatively new conductor, Rebecca Worden, who took over the baton from Grace Armstrong in the fall of 2014.

Worden is a capable and enthusiastic conductor and it was her third concert with the choir.

The program included an African song sung in Swahili, the title of which translates to “Grant Us Peace and Prosperity”. The choir gave the audience many opportunities to join in for a number of favorite carols that included “Joy to the World”, “Jingle Bells” and “White Christmas”. The choir was at their jazziest in tunes like “Christmas Time is Here”, the heart-warming tune written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi and made famous by Peanuts, as well an exceptional version of “Sleigh Ride” that was also arranged with jazz at its heart.

The singers also took on a number of challenging classical pieces like the “Carol of the Bells”.

The group was accompanied on piano by Yu Kwei, who is currently doing a musical internship with the choir. Kwei was joined in a few numbers by Bob Leviton on guitar and a number of choir members also played bells, drums and other instruments to give added depth and colour to the program.

The eight-member group known as Fiddlers and Friends then took to the stage, donned with holiday head gear and they performed a number of tunes from their accomplished repertoire that included “Red Wing” and “The Log Driver's Waltz”. Lois Webster and her puppet pal were front and center for the tune “Maple Sugar” and the group also performed a composition written by group member Marily Seitz titled “Laurie's Delight”, which she penned for her daughter.

One of the concert highlights was the joining of the two groups for “Lulabye Noelle”, in which the entire hall became a stereophonic hall of sound and the audience was engulfed from all sides by instrumental and vocal sound.

Highlights in the choir's second half included John Rutter's “Angels Carol” and “Cool Yule”, which was also memorable.

They finished off the afternoon by dimming the lights, holding up tea-lit candles and singing “Silent Night”, which is a long-time tradition for the group. The choir, who practice regularly on Monday nights, are always looking for new singers and are also presently looking for a new accompanist. Those interested can visit www.tayvalleychoir.com

Thanks to the many members of Villages Beautiful, an army of volunteers, and not least, those who donated unique creations and/or their musical talents to this year's festival, the much-anticipated annual event once again made for a joyful start to the Christmas season. From December 10 – 12, the Oso Hall in Sharbot lake was again transformed into a warm, twinkling and colorful Christmas wonderland, where numerous local talents took to the stage to entertain, while guests had the happy task of choosing which of the beautiful trees, wreaths, gift baskets, wall hangings, anything goes or gingerbread creations they wanted to try to win. The entries were donated by individuals, organizations and businesses from in and around the local community. The theme of this year's festival, Christmas, Past, Present and Future, made for some very intriguing displays.

Hats off to the organizers and volunteers who worked so hard to bring the spirit of the holidays to downtown Sharbot Lake, and do not forget that the beauty of this event comes not just once a year. Proceeds from the festival support Villages Beautiful, who come spring will be busy helping our hamlets to come alive with flowers and shrubs in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

2015 Festival of Trees Winners

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow was the theme for this year’s festival of trees, and those traditions were shown in many fine and creative entries. Winners were two-fold: those who entered an item, and those who took it home!

Large Trees: W. A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. won 1st prize for their tree “Time Frame” and the lucky winner was Mackenzie Whan. The 2nd prize went to the Township of Central Frontenac for their decoration “Remember When”, taken home by Mike McGovern. The 3rd prize was Mike Dean’s Super Foods Store “Olde” which was won by Muriel Wager. “Brunfelsia” decorated by the Treasure Trunk went to Mary Raymond. St. Lawrence Employment Services “Out of this World Christmas” to Lorette Gray, and the Friday Night Ladies' “Santa Goes Back to the Future” to Shiobhan Weatherby.

Small Trees - First prize entry by North Frontenac Community Services “A Tree of Peace and Giving” was won by Steve Duggan; 2nd prize by North Frontenac Telephone Company, “Visions of Sugar Plums” went home with Cheryl Allan; and 3rd prize winner, “The Gift” by Subway went to Ainsley Thompson. “12 Days of Christmas” by RBC to Rob Harrison; “May the Light of Christmas Shine Through the Years” by the Sharbot Lake Pharmasave to Helen Hoogsteen; “Greetings Across Time” by Lake District Realty to Crystal Nedow; “Feeding Feathered Friends” by North Frontenac Little Theatre to H Ridell; and “Small Beginnings, Bountiful Future” by Flight Centre Associates to Alicia Cota.

Mini Trees: This new category was a great addition to the Festival. The CF Railway Heritage Society won 1st prize for their entry of “Getting Home for Christmas” which was won by John Lee. “Rewind, Play, Fast Forward” by Drapeau Automatic Sprinkler Corp. took 2nd prize and went to Deb Deline; and 3rd prize by Steve Duggan’s Law Office “Peace Tree” taken home by Ruth.Frontenac Plumbing’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to Anne Howes.

Gingerbread Creations: First prize went to “Santa’s First Christmas” by the Whan/Melkman Family and was won by Bryson Gibson. Second prize, “Santa Got Run Over by a UFO” by Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre went home with Ben J.; and third prize “Traditions Through Time” by Linda DeVries to John Lee.

Wall Hangings: Carol Raymo’s 1st prize “Another Moonlit Christmas Eve on the Farm” to Brian West; Arden Batik’s 2nd prize “Christmas in the Spiral Galaxy” to James Duthie; and Ann Howitt’s 3rd prize winner “Forever Snoopy” to Glenys Bender. The winner of “Christmas in the Woods” by Helene Riddell was J. Copes; “Christmas is by Glades Taber” by Clip It went to Shiobhan Weatherby; and Gordon Wright’s “Old Tyme Country Christmas” to Barb Neil.

Wreaths: “Christmas in the Country ca. 1900” by Arden Seniors received 1st place and was won by Joanne Delyea. The 2nd place wreath, “Indulgence”, created by the Community Living North Frontenac, went home with J.C.; and 3rd place, “Honour. Live. Dream.” by Black Kettle Catering to Rob Moore. “Christmas Bells” by Seeds, to Doug Steele. The wreath titled “Where the Future Meets the Past” by CREC Student Council went to Ryan Michie.

Anything Goes: “A Natural Merry Christmas” created by the Sharbot Lake 39ers received 1st prize in this category and was won by Dawn Ray. “Wishing you Happiness in the Future” by Linda DeVries took 2nd prize and was won by Ardith Arney. The 3rd prize, “Life” by George Allen went to Helene Riddell. “Inspiration for a Christmas Tomorrow” by Larocque Masonry & Donna Larocque’s Sign Shoppe was won by Sue Kerteston.

Baskets – Friday Night Ladies’ “Always Time for Tea” took 1st prize and was won by Pam Giroux; “Christmas Nostalgia” by Friends of Arden won 2nd prize and went home with Heather Eagen; 3rd prize, “T’was the Night Before Christmas” by the St. Lawrence Employment Services to Diane Morrow. “Reading Through Time” by Lakeside Readers – T. Cox; “A Hair Raising Holiday” by Dynamic Hair Design – Brenda Whan; “Christmas Gone By, Happening & Yet to Come” by Sharbot Lake and District Lions – John Sparks; “A Taste of Summer Past ” by Sharbot Lake Farmers Market – Paula Rupert; “A Taste of the Season” by Cottage Country Outdoor Supplies – Heather Card; “I Think I’ll Go Back to Using Reindeer” by Desrosiers Small Engine Repair – Diane Morrow; and “Relaxing was, is and will always be the best time” by Sharbot Lake Country Inn – Linda Cooke.

Table Decorations – “Timeless Beauty” by Ram’s Esso received 1st prize in this category. The three parts of it were won by Ruth Pearce (chocolate basket), F. Harvey (Nutcracker), and Glenys Bender (floral arrangement). “Luck in the Future” by Norma’s Barbershop & Hair Styling and was won by M. Gilchrist.

Gift Certificates – The Gibson’s Garage gift certificate for an Oil Change was won by Chris Johnson, and the Amazing Dollar Store certificate went to Tina McConnell. The food hamper, put together by Villages Beautiful, was won by Chris Bertrim and Villages Beautiful “Snowman Evolution” went to Penny McGonagel.

The People’s Choice Award went to “Inspiration for a Christmas Tomorrow” (Larocque Masonry & Donna Larocque’s Sign Shoppe). The Children’s Choice Award was “Visions of Sugar Plums” (North Frontenac Telephone Company).

Each year Villages Beautiful recognizes a person or persons who have contributed their time and effort to the festival over the years. This year that recognition went to the Township of Central Frontenac. .

Many others must be recognized too: there are those who, instead of making an entry, contribute “in kind”, either financially or through services needed by the festival. Villages Beautiful thanks the following: Woodwark Legal Services; Sharbot Lake Marina; Sharbot Lake Medical Centre; Sharbot Lake Dental Office; Sharbot Lake Lawn Service; Robinson’s Excavating & Trucking; Donna’s Sign Shoppe; Rebekahs Society; Home Hardware; Gray’s Grocery; RTR Tree Service; Angelo DiCintio; Mike Dean’s Super Foods; Tarasick Carpentry, Sydenham Veterinary Services; Leonard Fuels; Goodfellows Funeral Home; and Ken Young.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made this year another success.

Christmas traditions in Ethiopia are distinct, because Ethiopia has a unique Christian heritage, going back to the very beginnings of the religion. The traditions have remained intact partly because Ethiopia has never been colonized successfully, so European Christmas traditions have never taken hold.

There a reference in the New Testament to the conversion of an Ethiopian court official in the first Century AD by Philip the Evangelist, and Christianity certainly had a presence in East Africa over the next few hundred years.

In the beginning of the 4th Century, two young brothers from a Christian family, Frumuntus and Edesius, were traveling from what is now Lebanon on a ship with their uncle. At a Red Sea port, the ship was attacked and everyone on board was massacred, save for the two boys. They were made slaves to the king of a country called Axum, in the vicinity of what has become Ethiopia, and gained positions of trust over time. They were freed just before the king died. Instead of leaving, they were prevailed upon by the queen to help educate Ezana, the young heir to the throne. Frumentius made a trip with his brother to Alexandria, where he prevailed on Athanasius, patriarch of Alexandria, to send a bishop and some priests as missionaries to Ethiopia. Athanasius decided to consecrate Frumentius and send him back instead.

Frumentius returned, baptized the young king, and established the Ethiopian church. Ethopia became either the first or second country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, sometime between 328 and 346 AD. Frumuntus was sanctified for his efforts. The Ethiopian church later split with the church in Alexandria over theological differences.

The Tewahedo Church has 40 to 45 million followers and is the largest church in Ethiopia. About 60% of the population of 96 million are Christians. The Tewahedo Church follows the Julian calendar, celebrating the birth of Christ at the Feast of Ganna on January 7 each year.

Strict adherents of the church precede Ganna with a 40- day fast, so they have much to celebrate on January 7, although many only fast for one day, on Christmas Eve, January 6.

The rules of fasting, according to Ethiopianorthodox.org, are as follows: “Fast generally implies one meal a day to be taken either in the evening or after 2.45 p.m. with total abstention from meat, fats, eggs and dairy products. Instead they use cereals, vegetables and other type of food devoid of fats. Smoking is a breach of the fast.”

There are 250 fast days in the Tewahedo calendar, although only 180 are for everyone. The other 70 are only for clergy to follow. Among fast days there are not only the days of Lent, but Wednesdays and Fridays as well.

Tewahedo adherents also like to feast. There are nine major feasts of the Lord and nine minor ones, as well as 33 feasts of Mary. All of that makes for feasting or fasting about two-thirds of the time.

The number and character of fast/feast days in the calendar is reflected in Ethiopian food traditions. Since for over 1600 years they have had 180 one-meal days a year with no meat, fat, eggs and dairy, Ethiopians have developed a pretty tasty and nutritious vegan cuisine. They also make the most of meat, dairy and eggs in the dishes that are prepared for feasts.

Christmas Day (which is called Ganna, meaning birth) in the Tewahedo Church begins on January 7 at 4:00 in the morning - almost three hours before dawn. People dress all in white, and in rural areas many still wear a traditional garment, called a Shamma, on Christmas Day.

Tewahedo churches are circular, as are most of the rural houses. Some of the ancient churches, which are built entirely of stone, are still in existence in the country. The churches are set up in three concentric circles. The choir takes up the outer circle; the congregants are in the middle. On Christmas Day each congregant is given a lit candle and they walk in procession three times around the church before entering the middle circle to find a place to stand during the service. There are no seats in the church, and the men and women stand apart. At the center of the church is the inner circle where the priests, who are dressed in red and white, conduct the holy communion.

The Christmas mass lasts for three hours or more, and is followed by a full day of feasting and celebration.

The game of Ganna, a field game played with a wooden stick, called a Yeferas Suk, and a wooden or leather ball, is played by men and boys. There are two teams, and the size of the field is determined by the amount of flat land that is available to play on. It can be as long as a kilometre or more. The game is something like field hockey, and can be quite dangerous. The ball can only be picked up off the ground using the stick and transferred to the player's hand. It is tossed in the air and then hit with the stick, but during that process opposing players can either try to grab the ball, risking injury to their hand, or they can kick the player trying to hit the ball, risking injury to both players. Goals are scored when the ball passes a pre-set goal line.

A detailed description of the game, and its variations, can be found at the website gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca. The site includes the following cautionary explanation about Ganna.

“Ganna is played only in the afternoon and it lasts until dusk. It often ends peacefully. But on account of its roughness and disorderliness, heads sometimes are smashed, legs and hands broken or dislocated, cheeks torn, eyes lost and so on. However, in the game of Ganna there is no compensation whatsoever for any damage done to a player during the game because it is understood that no player does any harm to his adversaries deliberately.”

The festive season is not over at the end of Christmas Day. Twelve days later on January 19, a three-day feast called Timkat, celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, is celebrated. Timkat is marked by feasting and special songs.

Two of the major Christmas traditions that are ubiquitous across geographic boundaries in other parts of the world, the Christmas tree and gift-giving, have never taken hold in Ethiopia.

Before looking in some detail at Ethiopian Christmas food, I should note that, even though this article celebrates the unique Ethiopian religion and culture over the centuries, it is impossible to avoid certain realities about what has gone on in the country since it was formally established as a nation under Emperor Meneluk II in the 1890s.

Among the historical factors were wars with Italy, including an occupation between 1935 and 1941, and the influence, both good and bad, of Ras Tafari, who became Emperor Haile Selassie, and was at the center of Ethiopian politics for 60 years until 1974. At that time the Marxist-Leninist Dergue regime under Mengitsu was established and lasted 15 years. The annexation, secession and a subsequent border war with Eritrea was an economic and humanitarian disaster, and the serious impact of drought on the agricultural economy has left Ethiopia an economic disaster. Forty-four million Ethiopians live under the poverty line, and 12 million are chronically or periodically food insecure. 1.3 million Ethiopians are living with HIV or AIDS.

On the brighter side, the economy of Ethiopia has been growing and there is a substantial amount of land that could be turned to agriculture. Coffee and other exports also show some promise as a greater source of revenue. Political stability and economic and technological reform are helping turn Ethiopia's economy around. Growth has been robust over the last 10 years and poverty rates have been falling.

Farms in Ethiopia are typically plots of one hectare or even less, and one aspect of the economy that has not changed is the dependency of the rural farming population on a sufficient rainy season each year.  

Recipes

Any major city in the world includes a number of thriving Ethiopian restaurants, invariably run by Ethiopian migrants.

The food in these restaurants is based on the kind of meals that Ethiopians consume daily and on feast days. There is a wide variety of meat, vegetable, and pulse-based dishes, all served on top of Injera, which functions as the grain base of the meal, the plate and even the cutlery. The amount of meat dishes served on the Injera are markers of wealth, honor, and feast days,

Since Injera is made with Teff, a tiny grain that happens to be gluten-free, and many traditional Ethiopian dishes are vegetarian, a traditional Ethiopian feast can satisfy the needs of any number of specialty diets. Vegans and Paleos, spice lovers and super tasters alike can enjoy an intimate shared meal.

It all starts with Injera, which means it can all start a day or three before the feast. Injera is a kind of hybrid between a bread and a pancake, and it is made using Teff flour, made of ground up Teff seeds. Teff seeds are tiny, 3000 to a gram, and the Teff grasses are native to Ehtiopia and Eritrea. Teff flour is available at Tara Foods and Bulk Barn in Kingston and at Foodsmiths in Perth.

Injera is a fermented pancake, and there are a number of ways to accomplish the effect of making these soft, spongy, slightly sour pancakes that are used to wrap up spicy Ethiopean dishes.

In North America it is common to combine Teff with wheat flours, and to add rising agents such as yeast or baking powder. There are also those who like to make a starter in the manner of a sourdough starter.

For our purposes I have included a simple recipe, using Teff and all purpose flour. While it is not the way Teff is made in Ethiopia, it has a better chance of being made successfully by beginners like us.

INJERA - start with a 50/50 mix of Teff and all purpose flour (feel free to substitute gluten-free flours or whole wheat flour.)

Toss 1 cup Teff flour in the bottom of the bowl, and mix with whatever other flour you are using for a total of two cups. Add 2-1/2 cups of water and mix together. Add a pinch of salt. Now you can either add a teaspoon of bread yeast or not, depending on whether you trust the Teff flour and wild yeast or not.

(The other option, which I will follow, is to do a half batch each way, just to be sure)

Mix until the batter is smooth. It should be quite thin. Cover with a cloth and let sit for one to three days. It can be used after one day, but the longer it sits the more it will have the distinctive sour flavor that sets off the spicy dishes it is served with. When ready, the mixture should be bubbly, and there may be a layer of water on top.

Mix it all together very well, using a blender if necessary to make a thin, pancake-like batter. Pour a thin stream of batter over a hot, 8-inch or more, non-stick or very lightly greased cast iron pan and shake the pan to spread the batter around the pan. There should be more batter in the pan than for a french crêpe but less than a standard pancake. Let sit in pan over medium high heat until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to solidify. Turn down the heat, cover with a pot lid, and leave for 45 seconds, until the top of the Injera is steamed. Do not turn the Injera. At this point you can remove it from the pan to a plate. Keep cooking as you would crêpes, if necessary placing parchment or wax paper between each one so they do not stick together.

They are either served flat, with other dishes piled on top, or rolled up on the side to mop up the other dishes.

There are dozens of recipes for Ethopian dishes that are all served with Injera. Many of them are spiced with sliced banana or Jalapeno peppers and Berbero spice mix.

RED BERBERO SPICE can be made using readily available spices. Here is an easy recipe.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek, 1/2 cup dried chiles, 1/4 cup paprika, 1 teaspoon each of salt, ground ginger, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cardamon, coriander, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon each of ground cloves, cinnamon, and allspice.

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and store in an airtight jar.

Now we are ready to cook.

DORO WOT (WAT)

This is one of the main Christmas dishes.

2 pounds skinless bone-in chicken thighs (about 8)

Juice of 1 lemon

Pinch Kosher salt

Tablespoon minced ginger

Tablespoon tomato paste

4 large eggs

1-1/4 cups chicken stock

2 large onions (finely diced)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

Berbere

Butter or Niter Kibbeh* (Ethiopian spiced butter)

Directions -

Toss chicken with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and leave stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Hard boil the six eggs. Cool, peel and set aside.

Put onions in large pan over medium/low heat and cook them, stirring constantly for ten minutes (note you did not oil the pan). The onions are cooked until the moisture is drawn from them. Add 1/6 pound of butter, 1/4 cup of Berbere, garlic, ginger, tomato paste and cook for one minute. Add the chicken and toss to coat with the butter mixture. Add the stock, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low and cook at a gentle simmer for 40 minutes. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced and the sauce is thick.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the eggs. Cover and let rest for five minutes. Place chicken on plates or Injera and serve.

A similar dish is made using stewing beef - Key Wot - although not usually with eggs.

Here is a vegetable dish

TIKIL GOMEN (cabbage, carrots and potatoes)

1/2 cup canola oil

1-1/2 medium, yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 large carrots, peeled thinly sliced

2 white potatoes, peeled, cut in 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp crushed fresh garlic

1 tsp pureéd ginger

1/4 tsp each: turmeric, salt, black pepper

1 cup water

8 to 10 cups chopped, cored green cabbage

1 Jalapeno, chopped with seeds

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion. Cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add carrots. Cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add potatoes. Cover; Cook 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add cabbage and jalapeno. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft, about 5 to 8 minutes. (Don’t let it burn.)

Finally, here is a berbere spiced pulse dish, an Ethiopian Dal.

YEMISIR WOT (Berbere lentils)

3/4 cup canola oil

1-1/2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup berbere spice blend, or to taste

1 tbsp puréed fresh ginger

2 tsp garlic crushed garlic

1 cup dried red lentils, washed

3 cups water + more if needed

1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onions. Cook, stirring, 8 minutes. Stir in berbere, ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add lentils. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 3 cups water. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring often and adding water if needed, until lentils disintegrate and mixture is a thick stew, about 30 minutes.

 For a recipe fo Niter Kibbe go to Food.com and type Niter Kibbeh in the search engine on the site.