Ethiopia is one the most culturally diversified nations in the world. It has more than 80 Nations, Nationalities and Peoples. Those ethnic groups have their own peculiar culture, history, tradition, language and way of life. Especially, the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS) has more than 56 different ethnic groups who live in peace, harmony and tolerance. The Kafficho people who live in the Kaffa zone of SNNPS has amazing culture, history and beautiful topography. Moreover, documents show, Kaffa zone is the origin of coffee.
According to the book entitled ‘Yekaffa hizboch ena mengistat achir tarik’ (the short history of Kafficho people and government) written by Bekele Woldemariam, the Kaffa Kingdom which flourished from 1390- 1897 with its capital Bonga was strong politically, economically and militarily. Their native language is Kaffigna which is from the Omotic group of languages.
The Kafficho people have amazing culture and tradition. Among the astonishing culture of the Kaffa people is their wedding ceremony. As it is true of many Ethiopian cultures, the Kafficho people have distinctive wedding tradition which lasts for centuries. The ceremony is undertaken after passing many processes. Before the engagement takes places, the bridegroom tries to study the background of his future wife wisely and cautiously.
He carefully studies her upbringings, inclination to wifehood and tribal roots. The bridegroom and the bride should not have any close relation on the paternal and maternal lineage. Not only that, they are not allowed to be from the same tribe. If they have blood ties, the engagement process will be cancelled. However, if everything is verified that the couple could get married, they prepare for engagement. Adane Mitiku Lecturer of Sociology at Addis Ababa University told The Ethiopian Herald that the people of Kafficho have almost similar wedding ceremony with other Ethiopian ethnic groups. ‘‘The aforementioned ceremony has similarity with other cultures. Most of the wedding procession is undertaken by family members.
But the boy stands a chance of choosing his wife before he sends respected village elders to the girl’s family to ask her hand in marriage or official engagement,’’ he stated. Adding: ‘‘The girl’s family members do not quickly respond unequivocally saying either “Yes” or “No” . Rather, they tell the elders to come back next time to get enough time for studying the background of the boy. If their answer for the request proves negative, the message will be conveyed to the boy’s family through messenger. However, if the answer is in favor of the boy, elders sent by the boy’s family are informed to come back next time. The objective is to create enough interactions.’’
After the engagement enjoys a go ahead, preparation for wedding takes place. Delicious dishes and liquors needed for marking the wedding would be prepared. Dowry has a very important place in the Kaffa’s culture. The boy’s family gives dowry to the girl according to the tradition. “Dowry is given before the bridegroom and his escorts start a journey to the girl’s home for the wedding ceremony. If required amount of dowry is not given, the issue will be resolved in bail. When the bridegroom and those who accompany him draw close to the girl’s home, they start blowing a trumpet made of horn known as ‘Shameto’ The act signals the bridegroom and his best men are drawing close.
Accordingly, the elderly have to come forth to hit base concerning the dowry . After that the bridegroom’s escorts sing songs, which praise the groom and that stresses what kind of wife the bride is expected to be,’’ Adane elaborates. During the wedding ceremony, the boy has to be flanked on the right and left by his two best men. The one on the right has to be a very trusted and devoted friend of the bridegroom.
He has to be a person that can settle disagreements that could break out between the couple during their marital life. Besides, he has the responsibility of carrying the bride on his back in a shade of umbrella, while she parts her family’s to live with her husband. Generally, he takes care of her with passion and affection. That is why they call him the best man. Nevertheless, there is bride’s maid in Kaffa wedding custom except a girl who can accompany the bride.
During the journey the bride travels on a horse’s back. A mule is not allowed. This is so because of the assumption that if the bride travels on a mule’s back she will be barren like the mule. Since marital life kick starts soon, the bride takes along an assortment of household utensils and clothes with her. An embroidered carpet made of palm tree leafs is an important material the bride takes to her new home. Also she has to have a traditional bed cloth known as Nattoo.
When the bridegroom arrives at the home of the bride’s parents, to get the blessing of elders, he has to stand before a white carpet known as Anberoo. Months after the wedding ceremony, the bridegroom and his escorts pay a visit to the girl’s home. From that time, they start their marriage officially. Though it is rare and banned, marriage could take place through abduction. This would be realized if the girl’s family gives positive response to the village elders sent for reconciliation. Some family members could have positive understanding on the abduction.
However, abduction would not be performed without any indication of some family members’ positive intention. Generally, marriage in the Kafficho people creates strong bond among families. Since there are social norms that could enhance community harmonization, divorce is rare. Hence, such traditional wedding and marriage systems should be preserved and promoted to transfer them to the generation next.
The Ethiopian Herald March 17, 2019
BY TSEGAYE HAGOS
