Coming together is the commencement of forming unity. It is a better decision even for those who are far apart in thought and ideology. It is among the identities Ethiopians have developed for centuries.
Among the common habits Ethiopians draw close together is gathering around a round table of dining. Eating together for the partakers is beyond satisfaction from the food as it enables them share ideas about their daily experience and any strange issue. This unique habit that makes Ethiopia different from most of the rest of the world is almost the manifestation of all Ethiopian nations and nationalities. And it is a beauty they have endowed for centuries.
Regardless of their difference in language, dressing, food items, life style and other aspects, Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia have rich culture in common like supporting each other in good and bad times in addition to eating from one table.
Ethiopians show great respect to dining table which is made of straw or bamboo especially in the rural areas. In fact, the material from which the table is made of does not matter rather it is the purpose it is laid for and that is the meal which anyone at any age or status should respect.
There are many sayings regarding the respect for dining table. Among these are: “Dining table is a king” and “Dining table is honored” so that there is no standing up from the table even when big person enters the room. This habit is accepted even among the peoples who recognize themselves as a respected person above any other.
The other side of respect for dining table is the person who is satisfied earlier than others does not leave the table before all have finished and the table is raised as it is accustomed by the society. This indicates care and respect among the partakers of the diet.
This care and respect is free of selfishness. It is manifested by not taking meal from the front of other person without asking permission. Considering as it is taboo, no one dares to commit such immoral deed. It is a matter of giving chance to others to take the leading.
All this vividly shows the great thought of Ethiopians for gathering together and unity. It is not culture of only one region or particular area but is common all over the world wherever Ethiopians reside. Similarly, the habit is seen in drinking in which Ethiopians say “We drank from one cup” to stress unacceptability of betraying one another.
Ethiopian dish is known not only for bringing people together but also for its variety which is called beyeaynet in Amharic. The symbolic of variety in food represents the diversity among the people. As variety of food makes complete dish, diversity in Nations, Nationalities and Peoples also makes one beautiful Ethiopia in unity.
Table preparation as mentioned above is different in all directions similar to the diversity of the people. In order to make the people familiar with the variety of food and to create cultural attachment, it needs intensive work.
Cultural restaurants launched in different parts of Addis Ababa are contributing their part in promoting national dishes. Among these is Totot cultural restaurant which began service a decade ago with its attention grabbing feature.
Hana Shiferaw, manager of the cultural dish hall told Addis Zemen Daily that their customers are satisfied and happy with the service. Every material in the hall such as chairs, tables even materials used to décor the inner part of the hall are cultural.
The other one is Dima cultural dining hall. Solomon Mesfin, deputy manager of Dima cultural dining hall said that cultural foods and drinks are served in the hall. They serve their customers on one round table locally known as Mesob and it intensifies the unity of the people. As the people come to the hall from different walks of life, the situation gives them opportunity to learn about one another.
Similarly, learning about values such as weeding ceremony, dancing, conflict resolving, mediation and other life styles of other nations and nationalities; need effort from everyone.
Celebrating Nations, Nationalities and People’s Day by coming together from all parts of Ethiopia to one center every 9 December is among the best opportunities to show unison among the NNP. The day enables them strengthen their unity in diversity in political, social and economic aspects.
This year’s, the 14th celebration of NNPD hosted by Oromia State was organized in Addis Ababa (Finfinnee). Resembling the past 13 celebrations, this one has also enabled nations and nationalities share their values and the occasion showcased commitment of the people for peace, stability and harmonious coexistence.
What makes this year’s celebration is it was held during unrest in some parts of the country as a result of political reform. The celebration was conducted successfully indicating irreversible commitment for peace and coexistence of nations and nationalities that came from all corners of the country. Therefore, the unrest bursts here and there does not represent the real feeling of the people.
Many believe that gathering around a round table should be kept up in eating together and also should be exercised among all nations and nationalities at large.
The Ethiopian Herald December10, 2019
BY BACHA ZEWDIE
