In an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of preserving and promoting traditional practices and cultural heritages is crucial to learning about the past and understanding where we came from, reflecting a certain community’s cultural values, preserving indigenous knowledge and wisdom and promoting a stronger sense of community as well.
Cultural values also serve as the foundation to promote societal norms, nurture fraternity and peace among different groups and bind communities together.
Sociologists emphasize that embracing cultural values plays a crucial role in building harmonious relationships among individuals and communities.
With this same end, global communities promote and celebrate their unique and distinctive cultural values on various occasions in a manner portraying their self-identity, (uniqueness) their heritage, traditions, and the like values.
Ethiopia, as a multi-ethnic country where over 80 different ethnic groups live together, is rich in cultural diversity that makes the country unique at national, regional, and global levels. This cultural diversity is also entertained freely and cherished widely. Among such religious and cultural values Irreecha, the annual Thanksgiving celebration of the Oromo people, which is celebrated in the last week of the first Ethiopian month, Meskerem (September), is one.
According to documents, “Irreechaa” means ‘green and fresh grass.’ It symbolizes fertility and flourishing life due to the blessing and guidance of the Creator, Waaqaa. The Irreechaa festival is marked at the end of September or the beginning of October, in the presence of hundreds and thousands of Oromo people and non-Oromos at designated locations, mostly near riverbanks or mountains.
In relation to the sociocultural significance of the of the Irreechaa festival and to shed light on the values it embodies, The Ethiopia Herald approached Abbaa Gadaa Negese Negaso. According to him, Irreecha is akin to a Thanksgiving Day that starts with family members and extends to neighbors, villages, and communities, where people come together at riverbanks holding green grass.
According to the traditional religion of the Oromos, the spirit responsible for Waaqaa’s governance all resides in the sea and rivers. Additionally, mountains are viewed as sacred and believed to host the spirit of Waaqaa. Consequently, Oromo religious ceremonies often take place near these natural elements.
The Oromo people celebrate Irreechaa to express gratitude to Waaqaa for the blessings received throughout the previous year. Festivities are observed at various lakes across the Oromia State, such as Hora Finfinne in the capital Addis Ababa, and Hora Harsadi in Bishoftu. Attendees immerse freshly cut green grass and flowers in the water, symbolizing their thanks.
Before participating, individuals are encouraged to seek personal repentance, forgive any grievances, and reconcile with estranged family members. No one can fully celebrate Irreechaa without reconciling with family and friends. The event promotes peace and fraternity, inviting people from all walks of life religions, and ethnic backgrounds to participate in the fiestas. During the celebration, youth sing, chant, and ride horses, adorned with colorful and beautiful cultural attires.
Abbaa Gadaa Negaso emphasized that preparations are underway to welcome participants from across Africa, the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Arab world,
Irreechaa embodies high cultural values, encompassing beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices that shape how individuals perceive the world. These values influence interpersonal relationships, social structures, and community dynamics. By fostering a sense of belonging and identity, cultural values, such as Irreechaa, play a pivotal role in promoting fraternity and unity.
Irreechaa is more than just a seasonal celebration; it is a profound expression of Oromo identity, resilience, and community spirit. As its significance continues to grow, socially, culturally, and politically, Irreechaa remains a vital part of Ethiopia’s diverse tapestry, fostering a strong sense of identity and uniting people to extend gratitude to the creator; and to hope for a better future.
This celebration does not only honors the past but also inspires the Oromo people to embrace their identity and strive for a brighter tomorrow.
One of the central practices of Irreechaa involves gathering near lakes, rivers, or other water bodies. The most notable gathering occurs at Hora Arsadi Lake in Bishoftu, where hundreds of thousands come together to express their gratitude, he added.
According to him, the connection to water bodies emphasizes the Oromo people’s deep bond with nature. Water is viewed as a source of life and prosperity, and rituals often include offerings to honor these natural elements. The communal aspect of these rituals fosters unity and solidarity, strengthening social bonds and cultural identity.
The dances performed during Irreechaa often mimic movements found in nature, such as flowing water or swaying trees, highlighting the community’s interconnectedness with the environment. Communal prayers are offered not only for personal blessings but also for the health of the land and its resources, ensuring soil fertility, clean water, and thriving wildlife.
Some communities engage in cleansing rituals, where participants wash their hands or faces in water, symbolizing renewal and a fresh start. This act connects individuals to the natural world and signifies their respect for it.
These rituals collectively honor the environment, reinforcing the Oromo belief in the interconnectedness of life, nature, and community. Elders lead prayers and blessings during the ceremonies, their spiritual authority is respected and their words are believed to invoke blessings from Waaqaa for the community and the environment.
As custodians of tradition, elders pass down knowledge about the rituals, songs, and dances associated with Irreechaa, ensuring cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. Participants may also light fires as part of the celebration, symbolizing purification and renewal, representing the warmth and sustenance that nature provides, while serving as a focal point for community bonding.
Participants often bring colorful flowers, banana leaves, and traditional attire, which add more color to the celebration.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER 2024
