The Use of Begena During The Battle of Adwa
Issue 2: BEGENA | ADWA
Today we celebrate the VICTORY OF ADWA
The Battle of Adwa is a historic battle in which Ethiopians united to defeat Italy and had the sovereignty of Ethiopia respected by the world. It was the climactic battle. The Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian invading force on Sunday 1 March 1896.
This battle had soldiers, farmers, women and youngsters, Christians all fight and contribute. War chants and musicians were also there at the battle awakening the soldiers spirit.
Christians during the battles between Ethiopia and Italy were in seasons of fast (Fast of the prophets which is two months before Christmas and Lent) Thus the Emperor sent a request to the patriarch to stop the fast so that the soldiers wouldn’t have two weakening factors for war. But the Patriarch declined. saddned the emperor said
“May the Lord of the Faithful Help us”
Thus, Christian Ethiopians fought while fasting to most of these battles and still were victorious.
In addition
150 Begena (Harp of David) Masters joined the Battle.
BEGENA IS A SPIRITUAL WEAPON
and of the 7 spiritual gifts that were given to David WEALTH OF VICTORY was one of them.
It is safe to say the Lord of the faithful did help Ethiopia as our forefathers were victorious over the colonizing force and had the sovereignty of Ethiopia respected by the world.
Begena Masters still go to celebrate Adwa with the nation
The 7 Spiritual Gifts of Saint David
1. Wealth of Strength: Example: He used to kill Lions with his bare hands or with a slingshot
2. Wealth of Victory: Example: He defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 18)
3. Wealth of the Begena: He used to play his harp to worship God (1 Samuel : 16)
4. Wealth of Healing : Example He used to heal Saul of his ailments playing his Begena
5: Wealth of a Kingdom: He unified and ruled Israel
6: Wealth of Holy Orders: He used to worship the Lord and God and gave guidance to worship
7: Wealth of Prophecy: He used to prophecy about the future events concerning Christ, Blessed Virgin Mary etc. (Psalms 113, 131,77,21, etc.)
HAPPY VICTORY OF ADWA TO EVERYONE
We thank University of Hawassa and The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for the citation for this paper