BY STAFF REPORTER
Every year the global community marks April 18th as World Heritage Day. The day is observed with various events with the aim to raise the awareness of global community regarding the importance of the diversity of cultural and human heritages, enhancing awareness about the vulnerability of the world’s built heritages including historical monuments, buildings, and heritage sites among others, and draw attention to protect, preserve and pass them on to future generations.
According to UNESCO, “Heritage is our legacy, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our natural and cultural heritages are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.” As the Ministry of Tourism posted in its social media page in relation to the day, every year, April 18, World Heritage Day is observed globally. The day is marked to raise awareness about the importance and value of heritages.
Therefore, as to the Ministry, when we think of this especial day, we should value and be committed to discharge .The Ministry also urges the community to conserve, develop and safeguard these heritages and pass them on to the future generations. Truly, Ethiopia, as a multi-ethnic nation where diverse nations, nationalities and peoples, who have their own cultural, historical, religious values, live together has several tangible and intangible heritages. our responsibility in protecting, developing, taking care of our heritages, which are the manifestation of our identity.
These heritages, apart from being assets of a certain group that reflect their identity, unique cultural practices and religious values and having social and economic significance, are becoming worldwide treasures. For this reason, they are getting recognition and inscribed by UNESCO on the world heritage list for their universal value. Among the heritages registered as World Heritage by UNESCO- (Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) – the ‘Fiche Chemballala’, a New Year festival of the Sidama people is the one.
Last week, the festival of ‘Fiche Chemballala’, was celebrated warmly and with various colorful events among the people of Sidama in Hawassa City in the presence of heads of federal, states and zonal administrators, government officials, invited guests and residents. It was also marked in various parts of the world including in mega cities of Europe North America, Atlanta Georgia, and in Canada, Toronto warmly.
Speaking in relation to the festival marked at Hawassa City, Tourism Minister Amb. Nasise Chali said that our heritages are the footprints of our past civilization, our today’s spots and hope for our future prosperity., According to the Minister, Ethiopia has a number of cultural heritages and natural resources found in different parts of the country, but not yet studied, undeveloped and untapped.
Among the leading values and the most important wisdoms of Sidama people and that pass down from generation to generation, is their unique calendar system. It is one of the intangible heritages that our country is blessed with. Fichee-Chambalaalla is a unique wisdom that the elders of the Sidama people (Ayantus) set the time through calculating the natural cycles of the moon and stars. This system and traditional rites has reached today along with its manifestations passing through several years.
What is more, Fichee-Chambalaalla, a New Year festival of the Sidama People has become an attractive rite that several visitors are taking part enjoying it, she said mentioning that the festival is a ceremony that promotes peace, love and unity among humankind. She also confirmed that her Ministry will work diligently to make Fichee-Chambalaalla a festival that is attended by many local and foreign visitors every year.
The festival of Fichee-Chambalaalla is a time that strengthens unity and beams new hope. The festival also comprises a number of values that are core and the basis of the people of Sidama said Desta Ledemo, Chief Administrator of the Sidama State. “Therefore, when we celebrate the festival, it should be in a manner taking into consideration these core values of the Sidama people and principles of the festival – giving up hatreds and grudges; and to sustain forgiveness and peace,” he added.
Chief Administrator of Oromia State, Shimeles Abdissa, on his part said that; the people of Sidama are owners of deep wisdom and philosophy. Mentioning that collaboration and respect is an important element for the people of Ethiopia, he underscored the significance of strengthening national unity to ensure national prosperity.
Chief Administrator of the Southern Peoples’ State Restu Yirdaw on his part said that the festival will show the graciousness of the people of Sidama, their great respect, honor and sense of brotherhood for other peoples. He said that by strengthening cultural and traditional values such as Fichee-Chambalaalla, it is important to further reinforcing peace and building solidarity among peoples.
Fichee-Chambalaalla, as documents indicate, is a unifying festival and the symbol of the Sidama people. Each year, astrologers determine the correct date for the festival, which is then announced to the clans. Communal events take place throughout the festival, including traditional songs and dances. the festival is also the most awaited time by Sidama people and a rite that every member of the community participates irrespective of age, gender and social status.
Aside from the other events, on the day women in particular, transfer knowledge and skills associated with hairdressing and preparation of buurisame to their daughters and other girls in their respective villages. The festival is also known for enhancing equity, good governance, social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and integration among Sidama clans and the diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 APRIL 2023
