Ethiopian traditional Christmas game, Ye-gena Chewata, which looks a little bit similar to hockey, has been played for centuries, according to ancient manuscripts. The exact time of its origin is, however, not known.
It is played by using a crude hockey stick, and some kind of a small wooden ball. Men and young boys participate in the game. But it is only rarely that the rivalry can be fierce. In relation to the origin of the game, there are different legends which have been related from one generation to another.
It is one of the traditional sporting games created and played in the highlands of Ethiopia; the game bears many similarities with modern day field hockey. Both games are played between two groups. And also use similar materials to play the game. But, while the former is only cultural game, earlier is international and Olympic game.
Cultural sports have been included in the educational curriculum and separate competitions for women have been introduced. Ye’gena Chewata is one of the 293 registered traditional and cultural sports and games in the country.
Right at 10 am, the referee signaled the start of the game with a whistle blow ant the players enter the field. Five substitutes from each team took their positions on the sidelines, and 10 players from each team stood arrayed opposite each other in the middle of the field, crossing clubs to indicate camaraderie.
After the referee conducts checks to see all the players are appropriately attired, he starts the game with a second whistle. The captains of each team stand at the centre of the field facing one another with their playing sticks positioned on either side of the puck, rur, placed on the ground.
The game begins with loud chants and lightly striking each other’s clubs and hopping.
The game is played in keeping with all the traditions of Ye’gena Chewata, a game celebrated for generations. Popularized during the reigns of Tewodros II, Yohannes IV, Menelik II and Haile Selassie, this cultural sporting event was well organized, and winners were lavishly awarded.
Celebrating scores have no grandstanding behavior as in other games and is simply limited to players striking their clubs with one another.
Ye’gena Chewata lasts for a good hour with a single 10 minute break at halftime. If the regular game results in a draw, the game is extended by 20 additional minutes and a halftime break. If the game is still a tie, the winner is decided by three free shots delivered by each side. Goals are set at each end and involve 10 players from each opposing team.
The skill level and passion for the game by players from the rural parts of the country is much higher as they grew up playing it. But, players from urban areas are no match for the rural recruits.
The cultural dresses, as well as practices leading up to the game, shouldn’t be forgotten either, and the media should be able to help. The media could play a very important role in promoting these games and keeping them relevant by giving them coverage as the games are facing with an existential threat in the urban areas of the country.
The Ethiopian Herald January 21/2020
COMPILED BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
