Qemant: Encyclopedia II - Qemant - Religion

Qemant - Religion

The Qemant traditionally practiced a religion which is said to combine elements from Judaism, paganism and animism. According to the American scholar Frederic C. Gamst, their "Hebraism is an ancient form and unaffected by Hebraic change of the past two millenia". A recent sociolinguistic survey notes that the Kemant religion is in a very precarious situation since very few people still adhere to it. According to this study, the ratio of those who follow the Kemant religion vs. those who are baptized and converted to Orthodox Christianity is about 1% vs. 99%^[1].

Their religious observances include a literal reading of the 11th chapter of Leviticus (see Kashrut). As with mainstream Judaism, even permitted animals can only be consumed if they are properly slaughtered (see Shechita). Their practices include animal sacrifices, and the tending of sacred groves (called degegna).

Worship is conducted outdoors, usually at a site near a sacred tree (called qole), wrapped in variously-colored strips of cloth. This appears to be an emulation of a biblical tradition:

and

Their name for God is Yeadara, who is regarded as omnipresent.

The Sabbath is observed on Saturday, when it is forbidden to light a fire. The extent to which other prohibitions, as are found in Judaism, are observed, is unclear.

The highest religious leader among the Qemant is their High Priest (called the Wambar or Womber, an Amharic term meaning "seat"). The Womber is highly respected and considered the ehad of all Kemant people.

The Qemant belief system includes angels, of whom the most respected is Jakaranti. Next in importance after Jakaranti are Mezgani and Anzatatera. Other angels include Kiberwa, Aderaiki and Shemani.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Religion", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki