The Blue Nile's Decorations Go Deeper Than Beauty

Have you ever wondered about the decorations inside The Blue Nile in Ferndale?

The hanging umbrellas and angelic faces that adorn the Ethiopian restaurant are more than objets d'art: They are symbols from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, according to co-owners Seifu and Fetle Lessanework.

"You see (the angels) on the (ceiling) looking down and they give you a sense of security," Seifu Lessanework said.

Such religious motifs are common in Ethiopian artwork, according to
ethiopianorthodox.org.

"It is Christianity, the religion of the state, that has determined the scope and purpose of painting in Ethiopia," the website says. "Generally speaking, clarity, vividness and the capacity to convey an idea dominate Ethiopian painting more than the desire to give pleasure. ... Ethiopian paintings are characterized by Biblical themes and figures. Angels, evangelists, saints, martyrs and other biblical personalities are the subjects of painting in Ethiopia."

Seifu Lessanework said the umbrellas that hang from The Blue Nile's ceiling also are a reference to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

"The umbrella in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is used to signify the presence of The Holy Spirit among us," according to ethiopianorthodoxchurch.info. "It is opened during the Holy Liturgy and held by a church deacon over the head of the Priest as he reads the Holy Gospel from the Bible. Colorful umbrellas are commonly used year round while a white umbrella is reserved for Easter."