Before delving into today’s topic, the author of this article wishes to express his deepest condolences for the families and individuals who lost their lives due to landslides in Gofa Zone, Wolayita, Kelem Wollega Zone, and parts of the Amhara Region.
In less than two weeks, faithful Ethiopians of the Ethiopian Tewahedo Church will celebrate Buhe. Buhe, also known as the Festival of Debre Tabor or the Festival of Transfiguration, is one of the nine outdoor religious and cultural celebrations observed between August and September in Ethiopia. This festival symbolizes the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor in Israel, as recounted in the Bible.
This year’s Buhe celebration (2016 EC) takes place amidst heavy torrential rains induced by La Niña, resulting in sporadic floods across various zones and regions in the country, leading to loss of life and property.
Chroniclers in the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church note that the transfiguration was accompanied by a thunderous voice from heaven, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, a celebration that has been observed in Ethiopia for over 1600 years.
Historical and religious accounts of the church indicate that shepherds tending their sheep under Mount Tabor were late in returning home. Parents, concerned for their children, prepared small loaves of bread called mulmul dabo, which the children distributed among the poor in their communities.
Buhe is also a festival for children, who carry whips made of shrubs, locally known as Jirraf, and move in groups singing at each house they pass, reminiscent of the sound of thunder heard by the shepherds at Mount Debre Tabor. Traditionally, children are given loaves of bread known as mulmul dabo, which they collect and distribute among the poor at local churches.
The chorus of the Buhe song, “Hoya-Hoye,” is sung by children in groups, thanking those who provided them with gifts. The songs may be occasionally incoherent, as children insert names and titles they wish for the head of the family listening to their songs, as tradition dictates.
Buhe is a memorable event for children and is considered one of the most important childhood celebrations, particularly in rural Ethiopia.
This festival effectively combines religious beliefs with cultural traditions, showcasing the culture of sharing prevalent among the people of Ethiopia, known for their generosity towards the needy.
Ethiopia has an excellent opportunity to make the Buhe festival a center of tourist attraction and register it as one of the intangible cultural heritages of mankind. It is crucial to conduct feasibility research on the possibility of registering Buhe at UNESCO.
The festival is sometimes mistakenly assumed to be celebrated only in the Amhara Regional State. This is incorrect, as the celebration is observed by the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church across various nations and nationalities in Ethiopia.
Buhe also marks the end of the Filseta fasting season dedicated to the glory of the Virgin Mary. Despite the cultural significance of Buhe, nowadays, money is being used as a replacement for the traditional gifts of mulmul dabo.
Buhe is one of the most ancient religious celebrations in Ethiopia, symbolizing hope and aspiration for the upcoming spring, with farmers hoping for a bountiful harvest.
While all religious festivals in the country promote peace and harmony among the people of Ethiopia, there have been instances of individuals posing as religious zealots attempting to incite conflicts during such occasions. Recent events in some regions of the country demonstrate how religion has been exploited for political purposes, inciting hatred among communities that have historically coexisted with respect, harmony, and peace.
Religious and cultural festivals like Buhe are well-documented, which is crucial for future generations to understand the original meanings of these celebrations. The country needs a catalog of documented cultural and religious festivals for promotion, marketing, and as educational tools for sociologists and anthropologists.
This year, Buhe is also celebrated alongside nationwide volunteer activities in Addis Ababa and regional cities, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and networks among the youth, promoting lasting friendships.
Buhe is a festival of peace and friendship, and the youth in Ethiopia have a significant responsibility to utilize the occasion as a platform to advocate for peace and work towards achieving it nationwide.
Additionally, Buhe is celebrated as Ethiopian youth prepare for the upcoming academic year, anticipating quality education.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2024
