Birraa, the season that succeeds the cold summer in Oromo land, is the time uneasiness ends and abundance begins as many food crops especially maize ripe and families lead a decent life. Other crops like potato and barley would also ripe in this season.
Because of the catastrophes in the rainy season, the Oromos see summer as a difficult season. However, that does not mean the Oromo people hate rain or winter season at all. Even when there is shortage of rain, they pray to Waaqaa (God) for rain.
‘Irreechaa’ is the annual Oromo people Thanks giving Day celebrated every year in Birraa near a river bank or water and tree. Irreechaa is celebrated every year on September in Bushoftu, Hora Harsadii and other Oromia major cities.
“Irreechaa” or “Irreessaa,” which, by itself, means ‘green and fresh grass’ symbolizes fertility and flourishing life due to the blessing and help of the Creator, Waaqaa.
‘Irreechaa’ normally falls at the end of September or beginning of October. For the celebration, Oromos come to the river or mountains with an outlet that has since long been chosen to be the place for such thanks giving celebration.
Oromo History Expert, Girma Nemerra stressed the close tie between Gadaa system and ‘Irreechaa’ celebration. The Gadaa system ordains the Oromo to perform the ceremony every year. The ceremonies and rituals are made as per the instructions stated by the Luba and Gadamojjii who act as the prime-minister and his councilors respectively.
Girma told The Ethiopian Herald that ‘Irreechaa’ is the major holiday in the Oromo history. It is the beginning of new hope and revival of lives. This year’s celebration is unique because it is hosted in Addis Ababa after 150 years. A huge number of people are expected to participate in the celebration as well, as to him.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald, Girma Hailu, Oromia Tourism Bureau Head, said the Bureau is going to celebrate the festivity on September 29.‘Irreechaa for peace and unity’ is the theme of the festivity. This year’s celebration would be unique in many ways,he said.
“Preparations have been finalized for the colorful celebration of ‘Irreechaa’ festival in the capital city and Bishoftu” he said.
Girma said the Festivity is celebrated in Addis Ababa to enhance the cultural interconnectedness among the people of Ethiopia. It aims at strengthening the relationship between the Oromo and the other nations of the country. It also contributes a lot to the national image of the country, he mentioned.
He
forwarded that disseminating political agenda of any political party is
forbidden at the festival in order to keep the asset and value of the festival
and sustain it to the next generation.Moreover, the bureau head revealed that
efforts have been underway to promote the value of Irreecha
to the rest of the world and get
it inscribed in the UNESCO list of worlds intangible heritage, as to him.
Kebede Desissa, Tourism Affairs Head at the bureau, said on his part a ‘great peace run’ will take place on September 22, 2019 in Addis Ababa in which more than 50 thousand runners are expected to participate. Athletes and amateurs will be part of the race, he said.
The bureau expects more than 6 million people from different corners of the country to participate in the celebration in Addis Ababa. The various nations and nationalities of Ethiopia, tourists, diplomats, and government officials will participate on the occasion, as to the affairs head.
Kebede added that at the celebration occasion prayers and various holy ritual ceremonies will be conducted by the various age-grades in the Gadaa system predominantly the Luba (AbbaaGadaa). Prayers of peace and reconciliation will also be made for the country, as to him.
The head added that ‘Irreechaa’ run will be held tomorrow in Addis Ababa. Over 50 thousand people are estimated to participate on the race. ‘Irreechaa’ exhibition will also take place starting from September 19 to 29 at Millennium Hall.
Admasu Wakgari, Deputy Head of the Bureau, on his part, mentioned that ‘Irreechaa peace run’ to be the theme of the race. The race will be made in two divisions for both male and female. The athletes and other amateurs will also take part in the race.
Various athletes from the regions of the country will participate in the race, he said.
The Ethiopian Herald September 21, 2019
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE
