Treasures and Tales

Tradition says the tsenatsil—a jingling sistrum—reflects St. Yared’s legacy, a treasure for debteras who shake it to his rhythms. Tradition says Yared used one to set the beat for aquaquam dances, its chimes blending with Deggua’s melodies. Some believe in a Tigray church, a girl dropped her tsenatsil before a feast, cracking it, but after praying to Yared, felt it became whole and was restored through his intercession, ringing clearly. Some believe Yared’s legacy inspires debteras, making their music a holy offering.

The tsenatsil is a symbol of Yared’s legacy. Children in Ethiopian churches learn to shake it during Zimare, joining in worship. Some believe a cantor’s tsenatsil sounded flat until he honored Yared, then rang clearly, inspiring the congregation. For young Orthodox, the tsenatsil is a call to worship, showing that even small tools can offer worship for Christ when guided by a saint’s faith.