BY NAOL GIRMA
Ethiopia has a wide variety of distinctive cultural customs that are particular to a person’s locations, ethnicity, or religion. Despite this difference, Ethiopians are often brought together by their sense of national pride and shared cultural heritage. Through millennia of experience, they have developed a sense of morality and cultural refinement that continues to influence how they view themselves in the modern world. Generally speaking, Ethiopians are renowned for being welcoming, considerate, cooperative, peace loving and non-violent people.
The Ethiopian people are unique from the people of other African nations in many ways since they were never colonized. Ethiopian traditions have been practiced for millennia, and many aspects of daily life are ritualized. There is a proper and conventional manner to serve coffee, fold clothing, carve poultry, and greet guests, for instance. The nation still uses its own unique ancient calendar and alphabet.
Ethiopia’s culture and practices vary throughout its regions, religions, and ethnic groups even if there are some cultural traditions that the entire nation embraces. There are more than 80 different ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Some of them can trace their ancestry to Bantu or Nilotic tribes in sub-Saharan Africa, while others are more closely related to the Cushitic tribes of the Middle East.
Since 1995, Ethiopia has been divided according to its linguistic and cultural identity. Accordingly, the states of the nation are divided based on ethnicity, with the bulk of the population residing in the region or zone where their ethnicity is represented by a majority. For instance, the majority of Oromos reside in the Oromia area, the same goes for the Amhara and Tigrayan populations. This state structure was created with the intention of giving ethnic communities more political freedom and the ability to self-govern.
However, many people have mixed ancestry and may not feel strongly connected to one homogeneous ethnic identity; as a result, Ethiopia’s political culture also accommodates or allows for many types of people to contribute their share. There is a very strong community focus embedded in Ethiopian culture. People are often mutually reliant on their relatives and neighbours. This collectivistic aspect of the culture is described as ‘mahiberawi nuro’ (literally meaning ‘collective life’). As the government cannot provide all social support, one’s welfare is usually dependent on the generosity of their family and friends. For example, it is common for a family to send their daughter to a different city to care for a relative if the latter fall sick.
Individuals may also receive social, emotional and financial support from the broader community and public when going through particular hardship. Local churches and mosques often play a key role in mobilising community support. However, this community-minded generosity must be reciprocated for it to be received. Individuals are expected to put others before themselves in order to be a meaningful member of society. Those people who are not similarly kind and helpful may not receive support during times of need.
The community focus of Ethiopia also gives the culture a strong social dimension. It is common for people to meet friends, play with children or socialise in public places without having to organise to do so. For example, Ethiopians may be able to maintain a healthy social life simply by drinking coffee on popular streets, watching locals and waiting to be spoken to by those passing. People often get to know many of the locals in their village or town, reinforcing a sense of community belonging.
Many Ethiopians say that they miss this aspect of their culture whilst living overseas or in Western countries. They often describe how strangers in Ethiopia are met with a very welcoming and playful attitude, an approach that they have not necessarily experienced living overseas. Some Ethiopians also say that they feel spontaneous generosity is more common in Ethiopia. For example, a stranger may pay for someone’s food without telling them. This selflessness is related to the concept of ‘Yilugnta’.
Yilugnta’ is a concept that is frequently credited with inspiring Ethiopians’ altruism and selflessness. Having yilugnta is often defined by Ethiopians as having a selfless concern for others, regardless of one’s personal circumstances. Yilugnta does not directly translate into English, but it mainly refers to being sensitive of others’ sentiments or being conscious of how one’s actions are perceived by others. Some relate it to concerns like “What would my neighbours think?” or “How would other people perceive my behaviour?” In general, Ethiopians are motivated to be accommodating, cooperative, and mindful of others by this sense of public self-consciousness.
Yilugnta sees people be more hospitable, inclusive, community-minded and cooperative, as these are all important virtues in Ethiopian society. It reinforces important cultural values and rules of interaction/social graces (sene magber) in almost every aspect of people’s lives. For example, it encourages children to be very obedient and respectful towards their parents. In general, yilugnta shapes Ethiopian culture to have an emphasis on personal representation; how people behave, present themselves and treat others is seen to reflect their honour.
Ethiopians are frequently seen of as kind, humble, polite, or non-violent individuals. This is frequently shown in how tolerant people may be of inconvenience. For instance, Ethiopians are inclined to go above and beyond to accommodating a guest even if they are unable to support them or if they come at an inconvenient moment. Some attribute this constraint and compliant mind set to yilugnta. In fact, Ethiopians may be afraid to display unfavourable emotions like hostility or boisterousness in order to avoid cpommotions.
In general, individuals are relatively passive and patient unless a situation worsens to the point that they are left with no choice but to act. However, patience and stoicism can also be related to the highly religious aspect of the culture. There is quite a fatalistic side to Ethiopian culture; both Christians and Muslims may believe that life events are predetermined or altered by God. Therefore, people may not complain as much, and instead turn to prayer to resolve certain issues (e.g. illness)
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 20 MAY 2023
