Mereja.Forum

[Odie]

Yes, in addition to other factors, the increased number of tabots (replicated Arks of the Covenant) and the proliferation of saints' commemoration days—particularly during major religious festivals in Ethiopia—directly contribute to increased roadside begging in Ethiopia. The proliferation of "44 tabots" (often associated with specific saints or specialized commemorations) creates numerous festive, localized, and, at times, national events where worshippers gather, providing a prime stage for beggars to request alms.

Impact of Religious Practices on Roadside Begging
Religious Ceremonial Days & Tabot Processions: Orthodox religious days dedicated to saints, and the procession of tabots on feast days, are high-traffic times for begging. Beggars often gather around these processions, which are seen as "stages" to display their need, leveraging the religious duty of almsgiving supported by both Christianity and Islam.

The "Tabotot" Multiplication: The expansion of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church involves "planting" new tabots (often referred to as tabotots or small tabots) in new locations, increasing the number of sites where a tabot is present. Each tabot is a focus of veneration and potential pilgrimage, offering multiple opportunities for begging.

Almsgiving as a Social Norm: Religious teachings emphasize charity, which encourages people to give to beggars at these religious gathering sites.

KOMCHE CULTURE MULTIPLIES BEGGARS AND KOMCHE IS A BEGAR TOO