How Do You Spell TABOT?

Pronunciation: [tˈabɒt] (IPA)

The word "tabot" is spelled with two syllables, ta-bot. The first syllable, "ta," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, similar to "cat." The second syllable, "bot," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, similar to "boat." The phonetic transcription for "tabot" is /ˈtæbɑt/. This word is commonly used in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity to refer to a replica of the Ark of the Covenant that is carried in processions during the celebration of Timkat.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

TABOT Meaning and Definition

  1. Tabot is a term derived from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and carries multiple meanings. Primarily, it refers to a sacred object that symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is a biblical symbol of God's covenant with the Israelites, containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments. In the Ethiopian context, the tabot holds significant religious and cultural importance.

    Constructed from wood, the tabot is shaped like a cube or rectangular prism, often adorned with intricate carvings and covered in colorful fabrics. Ritual specialists called tabot priests usually handle and safeguard the tabot. During religious processions and festivals, the tabot plays a vital role as it represents divine presence and serves as a focal point for the community's religious devotion.

    Tabots are kept in special shrines within Ethiopian Orthodox churches, only accessible to priests and designated individuals. They are considered sacred and are an essential focal point for worship. The tabot is revered by the church community, and its presence ensures the sanctity of the religious space.

    Exchanged between churches during certain ceremonies, the tabot's movement represents the Ark of the Covenant's journey. These ceremonial exchanges often occur during Timkat, a significant Orthodox festival commemorating Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The tabot's spiritual significance is deeply rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christian traditions and is a symbol of reverence and faith for practitioners.

Common Misspellings for TABOT

Etymology of TABOT

The word "tabot" has its roots in the Ge'ez language, which is an ancient Semitic language and the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. In Ge'ez, the word "tabot" (ታቦት) is derived from the root "taba" (ታባ), which means "a written law" or "a tablet".

Tabots are sacred objects in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and are believed to represent the Ark of the Covenant. They are typically wooden tablets or altars, often covered with silk or velvet, that are typically housed in churches. Tabots are an essential element of religious practices and are used in various ceremonies and processions.