Meskal, second in importance only to Timket, has been celebrated in the country for over 1,600 years. The feast commemorates the discovery of the Cross, upon which Jesus was crucified, by the Empress Helena, the Mother of Constantine the Great. The feast is celebrated on 27 September.
| On the eve of Meskal tall branches are tied together and yellow daisies, popularly called Meskal Flowers, are placed at the top. During the night these branches are gathered together in front of the compound gates and ignited. This symbolizes the actions of Empress Helena who, when no one would show her the Holy Sepulcher, lit incense and prayed for help. Where the smoke drifted she dug and ground three crosses. To one of them, the True Cross, many miracles were attributed. | |