Learn all about Vichy Chimblala's celebration of Ethiopia's National New Year

culture

The city of Awasa, the capital of the Southern Ethiopia People's Region, has seen its second day of celebration of the Seidama National Day, "Vishi Chimblala", on UNESCO's non-material heritage list.

The celebration of the New Year is one of the most interesting holidays in Sedama, where it is celebrated for two weeks in colorful scenarios that leave a lasting impression in our minds. According to the traditional calendar of Sidama, New Year's Day is determined by an astronomical process by observing the location of the moon and the stars.

This feast is celebrated by the people of Sidama, according to the usual tradition. Feishi celebrates the memory of the lady Sidama, who visited her parents and relatives once a year after her marriage. She brought buurisame, a meal made of fake bananas, milk and butter, and shared with neighbors. United for the people of Sidama.

Every year astronomers determine the correct date of the festival, which is then announced to the clans. Community events are held during the festival, including traditional songs and dances. Each member participates regardless of age, gender, or social status.

On the first day, children move from house to house to greet their neighbors who serve them. During the festival, clan leaders advise the people of Sidama to work hard, respect and support the elderly, refrain from logging, false testimony and theft.

The festival earns there before equity, good governance, social cohesion, peaceful coexistence and integration between the Siddama clans and diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Parents transmit tradition to their children verbally and through participation in events during the celebration. In particular, women transfer knowledge and skills related to hairdressing and buurisame preparation to their daughters and other girls in their villages.

The people of Sidama are ethnic Kushites who traditionally inhabit the Sedama region of the South, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. They speak Sidamo, which is the language of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family, despite their large numbers, but they do not currently have a separate ethnic state.