ADDIS ABABA – The values of Fichee-Chambalaalla would help containing various conflicts as they have long been instrumental in respecting mutual interest, encouraging unity, helping one another/each other’s, avoiding revenge, and realizing sustainable peace, so said Sidama State.
Speaking at the event to celebrate Fichee-Chambalaalla –Sidama’s people New Year on Monday here at Friendship Square, Sidama State Chief Administrator Desta Ledamo said that, Fichee-Chambalaalla is one of the most valuable cultures of Sidama people giving serious attention to protection of human beings, animals, and plants (simply living things.)
According to the chief administrator, the sporadic conflicts are the result of divisive rule of the TPLF regime. However, following the advent of the reform administration, Ethiopia is currently being built national unity through a balanced way.
Desta further stated that, Fichee-Chambalaalla is the means of mutual respect, common understanding, coexistence, and unity as it has been playing a significant role in realizing Ethiopia’s holistic prosperity. He, therefore, said that not only Fichee-Chambalaalla in the Sidama people but also other ceremonies found in any direction
national unity respect and peaceful coexistence. “In this regard, stakeholders should take responsibility to protect and develop such an indispensible culture and pass down to the young generation.”
Culture and Sport Minister Kejala Merdasa on his part said that, the Sidama cultural nomenclature is a reflection of ancient civilization, which is based on the moon and stars.
It was learnt that the Ayantus (the Astrologers) decided the day, the month, and the year to celebrate different festivals in Sidama. This type of calendar is somehow found in the Oromo people and Konso, in China and India, too.
According to Kejela, the existence of similarity of events like this among the Sidama and the Oromo is of significantly useful in strengthening unity, development thereby nurturing the culture entertaining through amicable ties. Particularly, avoiding conflict, exercising reconciliation, providing forgiveness, thanksgiving to the God, helping the needy and feeling their pain, as well as providing good wish to the coming year are among the main activities of the Sidama people. The cultural values of Fichee-Chambalaalla help the world draw important lessons in terms of protecting living things and creating peaceful environment. Therefore, these entrenched values have to be well protected by the generation particularly the youth, the minister underscored
BY MESERET BEHAILU
The Ethiopian Herald 11 May 2022
