A young deacon baptises an eager crowd at Timket festivities around Janmeda field. Immersion in water represents a rebirth in initiation ceremonies in history. It symbolises the breaking of amniotic fluid (a liquid that surrounds the fetus) during birth, hinting towards a second birth on the planet. Water has had deep sociopolitical significance for Ethiopia as the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been proceeding under three Prime Ministers. Exeeding the initial budget of 80 billion Br it remains to be complete.