ETHIOPIA'S WORLD HERITAGE, REGISTERED
BY
UNESCO
Ethiopia has abundance of tangible and intangible heritage. Out of the immense cultural and historical heritages, 10 are inscribed in the world heritage list.
3 The magnicent castles of Gonder,
“ Camelot of Africa”- 1979
1 The astonishing rock hewn churches of Lalibela, “Petra of Africa” – 1978
The small town of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is famous for its 11 rock-hewn churches dating back to 12th century. The town was originally known as Roha, but was re-named after King Lalibela who commissioned the churches. These amazing edices were not constructed as such, but were chipped out of solid rock, with only hammers and chisels, the feat is so incredible that legend has it angels worked on the churches at night. One of the most spectacular churches is that of Bete Giorgis which has been excavated 12 meters down.
Fasil Ghebbi is the name given to the unique 17th century fortress city located in the northern town of Gondar, literally meaning “Fasil's premises.” Often described as the Camelot of of Africa, Fasil Ghebbi served as the royal residence of Ethiopian emperor Fasiledas and his successors at a time when Gondar was the country's capital. Enclosed within the 900meter long wall are crenellated castles, palaces, churches and other buildings, some of them still intact enough to give and excellent impression of the era. Just outside the fortress city lies the “bathing palace” of fasiledas which these days is lled with water once a year to commemorate the “Timkat” (Epyphany) festival.
2 The dramatic and breathtaking Semien
Mountains National park, the only Natural World Heritage Site of Ethiopia -1978
The small town of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is famous for its 11 rock-hewn churches dating back to 12th century. The town was originally known as Roha, but was re-named after King Lalibela who commissioned the churches. These amazing edices were not constructed as such, but were chipped out of solid rock, with only hammers and chisels, the feat is so incredible that legend has it angels worked on the churches at night. One of the most spectacular churches is that of Bete Giorgis which has been excavated 12 meters down.
4 The tallest ever standing monument raised
by humans, The Axum Obelisk – 1980
Located in the far north of Ethiopia, Axum was the center of one of the world's most powerful kingdoms from the 1st to the 7th centuries A.D, converting to Christianity in the 4th century. The ruins of the ancient city are still clearly visible, comprising some 300 enormous monolithic obelisks or stelae, royal tombs, palaces, fortresses and temples.The gigantic obelisks, some of which once reared over 3meters into the sky, represent huge tombstones. Some are also believed to have been used in ancient forms of pagan sun worship. The stelae range from simple slabs
to intricately carved and decorated. In 1937, the Italians plundered a 24 meter, 1,700 year old obelisk and took it to Italy where it was installed in Rome. The monument has recently been returned to Ethiopia and re-erected in Axum. The town is also the legendary capital of the Queen of Sheba, and the St Mary of Zion Church compound is believed to contain the original Ark of the Covenant. According to legend, the Ark was brought to Ethiopia, from Israel by Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The only person allowed to view the “tabot”, as the ark is known, is its custodian priest who can never leave the sanctuary where the relic is kept. These days Axum is considered the holiest Orthodox city in Ethiopia and is the destination of many pilgrimages.
The 3.5 million year old “Lucy” was re-constructed after 52 fragments of a skeleton were found in 1974 – about 40 percent intact. The study of this early hominid skeleton has provided clues as to when and how humans began to walk upright.
7 The Lower Omo Paleoanthropolgical site,
one of the very few important places for archeological studies- 1980
5 The Tiya Prehistoric Stele- 1980
The prehistoric site of Tiya in southern Ethiopia housesanother collection of some 30 intricately carved stelae and is probably an ancient burial ground. The stelae are not soaring monoliths as in Axum, but they contain depictions of swords and various enigmatic symbols not foud in other regions. According to UNESCO, these are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined. The erection of megalithic monuments such as these is a very ancsient tradition in Ethiopia
This area, in southwestern Ethiopia close to laketurkana, is another haven of prehistoric nds which have been essential in the study of human evolution. Ancient tools and hominid fossils dating back 2.4 million years ago have been discovered there. The remote area is also home to a huge cultural diversity of people, whose lifestyles have changed very little over the centuries and who have been the subject of much anthropological study. It is one of the most unique places in the world, in that so many different cultures inhabit in such a relatively small piece of land.
8 The walled city of Harer ( Jegol), center for
Islamic learning – 2006
6 The Lower Awash Archeological and
Paleontological site, the home of Lucy1980
One of the world's most famous hominid fossils known “lucy”, was discovered in the lower Awash Valley in the searing heat of the eastern Afar region. The area contains some of the most important paleonthological remains on the Africancontinent and these discoveries - some of which are at least 4 million years old, 0 have enabled scientists to gain invaluable insights into human evolution.
The historic walled city walled city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia was a major trading crossroads and a center of Islamic learning. Fortied against invaders, its protective wall was built between the 13th and 16th dcenturies. The wall or jugol, which is still intact, is about 4 meters high and pierced by ve gates. A sixth gate was added at a later date. Exporer Richard burton was the rst European to enter the Forbidden City in the mid – 19th century and wrote later: “Harar has not only its own tongue, unintelligible to any save the literature; even its little population of about 8,000 souls is a distinct race.”
8 The walled city of Harer ( Jegol), center for
Islamic learning – 2006
The historic walled city walled city of Harar in eastern Ethiopia was a major trading crossroads and a center of Islamic learning. Fortied against invaders, its protective wall was built between the 13th and 16th dcenturies. The wall or jugol, which is still intact, is about 4 meters high and pierced by ve gates. A sixth gate was added at a later date. Exporer Richard burton was the rst European to enter the Forbidden City in the mid – 19th century and wrote later: “Harar has not only its own tongue, unintelligible to any save the literature; even its little population of about 8,000 souls is a distinct race.” 9 The Konso Cultural Landscape- 2011
Terrace System of Konso; the natural landscape of Konso is highly modied by human hands and culture. The country of Konso is dry, rocky and its fertile soil is very thin. To prevent the fertile soil from erosion a highly developed traditional terrace system has been practiced in Konso. The soil between the rock terraces is shoveled to sides of terraces to form a middle basin where water is collected. Cereals and plants that need small water or moisture are planted or sown on sides of the basins. At this moment, the walled town of Konso together with its Terrace system is registered by UNESCO as world heritage making Ethiopia the owner of 9 world heritages
10 The Finding of the True Cross ( Meskel), mass
celebrated colorful religious festival- 2013
Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonre known in Ethiopian tradition as "Damera". Meskel commemorates the nding of the True Cross in the 4th century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucied. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on the 17th September Ethiopian calendar (27th September Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signies the presence of the True Cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolises the events carried out by EmpressHelena.
ETHIOPIA E ETHIOPIA thiopia, a must see place in one's life time,a land of contrast with its unique cultural heritage and history offers uncountable gifts and an unforgettable memory for visitors with its relatively unique culture and traditions from the rest of the world.
Ethiopia has a proud and long history extending to the known beginning of humankind. The mysterious and the tallest ever standing monolithic monuments of Axum, the astonishing and perfectly designed rock hewn churches of Lalibela, the magniď€ cent and elegant castles of Gonder, the marvelous and decorated wall of Harer(Jegol) and other architectural remnants exist testifying to the great civilizations of the country registered centuries ago.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia is amazing. It is gifted with breathtaking rugged mountains (the Semien Mountains, the highest peak at 4620 m and the Bale Mountains for instance are iconic landscapes). Ethiopia is the source of the life giving river of Blue Nile and many other rivers, lakes and waterfalls, some of which must rank as the greatest spectacular in Africa today. Its biodiversity makes the country an important place for scientic studies and research. Abundant birdlife, endemic mammals (from the goat like Walia Ibex to the Giant molle rat), butteries, beautiful owers and many more indigenous plants make Ethiopia absolutely suitable for living things. The Danakil depression, the hottest place in the world (48 oC/ 118 oF), offers you the most colourful world that you couldn't see anywhere else in the world. The mazes of the beautifully naturally curved limestone walls of the Sof omer cave are offering 'Wow' feeling and extreme adventure. There lies the famous Erta-alle active volcano spot roaring day and night, year after year in the middle of the Dallol area leaving one to simply wonder the magnicent power and beauty of our planet. Besides the magnicent history and splendid nature, Ethiopia boasts vibrant and colourful cultures. The mass celebrated festival, such as the recently registered world heritage- Meskel (the nding of the True Cross) and the unregistered yet deserved -Timket (Epiphany) have a power even to strangers to set in motion and stick with the crowd without a fear to have inexpressibly happy moments. Ethiopia, a country with age old attractions, origin of human kind, birth place of coffee, 13 months of sunshine, a never colonized sovereign state, charming and hospitable people, unique calendar, diverse climate, notable Emperors, indigenous source of knowledge and wisdom, are just some of the features that make Ethiopia a fascinating place to visit and travel through. And Ethiopia has so much more to offer.
ADDIS ABEB
A
ddis Ababa is the third highest city in the world. It was chosen for the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in 1958 and later, in 1963, for the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). It is also the home of regional UN organizations and more than 100 embassies and diplomatic missions. There are about forty standard hotels and restaurants, which are always on their guard to serve the guests of the city. There are also several travel agents and tour operators. The city, which is located at the center of the country, is suitable for every transportation means.
Addis Ababa is one of the capital cities blessed with hot spring waters. The Finne hot spring is known for its healing powers. The city was called Addis Ababa, literally means 'new ower' by Empress Taytu, wife of Emperor Menelik II. The empress gave this name to the city after witnessing the self-grown memos owers that cover the elds of Addis during the month of September.
Day 1:after Breakfast, we drive to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto and we drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological ndings (including Lucy's replica Skeleton). After lunch, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church and nally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa
12 Days tour to the North historic route - Ethiopia
Day. 01: Arrival Addis Ababa and transfer your hotel. Depending on your arrival time make city tour in Addis Ababa. Day. 02:Drive to Bahirdar In morning after breakfast drive to Bahirdar through Debre Libanos monastery and Blue Nile Gorge. Day. 03: Boat Trip on Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls In the morning after break fast make boat trip on Lake Tana to visit isolated monasteries. There is good birding in the lush forest surrounding much of the lake. Then drive to the thundering Blue Nile Falls. Along the walk to the falls, birding is excellent. Day. 04: Driver to Gonder and Sightseeing of Gonder In the morning drive to Gondar. Then city tour of Gondar including a visit to the Royal Compound, where enchanting 17th century castles stand. Also, visit DebreBerhan Selassie Church meaning Trinity at the Mount of Light. Day 05: Drive to Simien Mountains National park Morning after breakfast drive to the jagged panorama of the Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its exclusive landscape, afroalpine vegetation and unique wildlife, where you may spot the endemic Wallia Ibex, Gelada Baboon troops, Bushbuck, Klipspringer. Day. 06: Drive to Axum Drive to Axum Through beautiful escarpment of Siemen Mountains and Tekeze river valley Day. 07: Sight seeing in Axum Morning after break fast explore the city of Axum. Visit the interesting museum in stelae ď€ eld, the impressive Stelae Fields and also the grounds of the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of the original Ark of the Covenant. Day. 08: Drive to Mekele In the morning after break fast drive to Mekele and on the way visit Yeha temple and DebreDamo Monastery.
Day. 09: Drive to Lalibela In the morning after breakfast drive to Lalibela and on the way visit some local market and lakeAshenge. Day. 10:Full day excursions in Lalibela After breakfast visit Lalibela rock hewn churches, famous for its rock-hewn churches dating back 800 years. This is the most important stop on the historical route and from the air the 11 churches, carved into the rugged mountainside, present an awesome spectacle. Afternoon excursion to the most spectacular churches. Day. 11: Drive to Kombolcha Morning after breakfast drive to Kombolcha.en route visit the LakeHaik Day. 12: Drive to Addis Ababa After break fastdrive back to Addis on the way enjoy the natural land Scapes. Evening fair well dinner.
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TREKKING & MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
E
thiopia is a paradise for Trekkers, Blessed with a temperate climate, grand mountain scenery and a tradition of generous hospitality, the Ethiopian highlands offer superb opportunities for trekking and mountain climbing. Trekking in the mountains of Ethiopia can be done on foot, carrying a back pack, or more comfortably with pack animals, seldom by vehicles. Horses, mules, and donkeys are still the standard method of transport throughout highland Ethiopia and can usually be hired quite cheaply. The terrain is usually steep for only short periods, when walking rather than riding may be necessary.
TREKKING IN THE
BALE MOUNTAINS
B
ale Mountains trekking is the best Ethiopia trekking experience. In this trek you enjoy view the scenery, the endemic wildlife, bird life and plant species. Ethiopian endemic wild animals like Ethiopian wolves, Mountain Nyala, Menelik's bushbuck and many endemic birds can be spotted. an unspoiled mountain-wilderness with forests, moor land, extensive heather-ď€ elds, rivers, and streams, alpine lakes where more than 60 mammals and 260 bird species have their home. This is really a relaxed "back to nature" experience, Short treks of 2 or 3 days, long treks of 7-10 days and everything in between is possible.
Bale Mountain Itenerery Day 01 Addis Ababa - Bale Mountains Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget's Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight camping near park entrance. Overnight Camping. Day 02 Trek to Sodota Walk through Dinsho and enter the National Park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and
Menelik's Bushbuck should be visible. While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian Wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break. Hiking will take 6-7 hours.Camping at Sodota. Day 03 Trek to Wasama Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance a seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Around 5-6 hours of trekking. Camping at Wasama. Day 04 Trek to Gebre Gurracha Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake� in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 6-7 hours.Camping at Gebre Gurracha.
Day 05 Sanetti Plateau - Addis Ababa Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sennati Plateau to meet vehicles. Return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups.
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TREKKING IN THE
SEMIEN MOUNTAINS with its impressive beauty and dramatic views, described as the most marvelous of Abyssinian landscapes. Here you can climb the highest peak of Ethiopia: Ras Dashen (4543 meter). Treks from 2 – around 10 days can be organized.
SEMEN MOUNTAIN ITENERERY Day 01 Addis Ababa - Bale Mountains Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik's Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget's Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight camping near park entrance. Overnight Camping. Day 02 Trek to Sodota Walk through Dinsho and enter the National Park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck should be visible. While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian Wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break. Hiking will take 6-7 hours.Camping at Sodota. Day 03 Trek to Wasama Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape
with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance a seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Around 5-6 hours of trekking.Camping at Wasama. Day 04 Trek to Gebre Gurracha Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 6-7 hours. Camping at Gebre Gurracha. Day 05 Sanetti Plateau - Addis Ababa Take short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sennati Plateau to meet vehicles. Return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups
NATURAL HOT SPRINGS The volcanic activity in the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Rift Valley has formed many hot springs in different parts of the country. About 750 points of thermal/hot springs and most of them are located in the Great Rift Valley basin and they still remain undeveloped although spa resorts are established in certain thermal water sites including Addis Ababa. Hot springs, which form from geo-thermally heated water, offer an excellent place to relax and get wet. Ethiopians believe the hot springs act as a cure for many ailments. Locals also regard some of the hot springs as holy sites and use them for bathing and recreation. Hot springs to visit are:-
around the spa, there are some very good walks in the hills, with plenty of bird life - the endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot, the Black-headed Forest Oriole and the Golden-backed Woodpecker can easily be seen, along with the Redwing Starling, Grosbeak Weaver, Mountain Wagtail and Black Roughwing Swallow - and wildlife - Colobus and velvet monkeys, Anubis baboon and bushbuck. Spectacular sunsets can be seen around the area, with a great view of Lake Awassa. Day 2:Make more relaxation trekking in the forest. After taking lunch in the hotel, we return back to Addis Ababa. We will take a stopover at Lake Langano, and arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon.
WENDO GENET This resort centre is located 260 kilometers from the Capital City, Addis Ababa. It is surrounded by colorful panorama where thermal baths and hot mud oozing from the volcanic underground is reputed to be a cure for ailments such as rheumatism, etc. The tranquil atmosphere and the hotel fringed by exotic owering trees give languorous new feelings.
DISCOVER WONDO GENET FOR HOT SPRINGS AND SWIMMING TRANSPORTATION: LAND Day 1: after Breakfast, we set off, driving through Debre Zeit and by the lakes of Koka, Ziway Langano, Abijata – Shalla and Shashemene to Wondo Genet. Shashemene is situated at a cross roads, with roads north south and east west. It is also home to a Rastafarian community from the Caribbean. The last Emperor Haile SellassieI granted them land here in perpetuity. We e proceed to Wondo Genet/place of heaven/. Wondo Genet is a well developed hot springs resort. The hot water comes pushing out of the rocks and you can stand underneath for a natural hydro massage. It is also a naturally heated swimming pool. The scenery around the lodge is hilly and forested largely with Juniper tree. While most visitors may prefer to relax
ADDIS ABABA FILWUHA The existence of this hot spring was the main reason that Addis Ababa remains the capital city of the country. Empress Tayitu hating the chilly, thundering and showering weather of Entoto Mountain descended to the area of the hot springs when her ofcials informed her about the existence of gashing hot water at “Fnne'”, the present Addis and seeing a owering Mimosa tree was forced to rename the place from the original name to Addis Ababa.
SODERE The resort area of Sodere lies 100 kilometres from Addis Ababa. It takes the advantage of the volcanic mineral springs which bubble to the surface to ll its two blue swimming pools with clear warm water. The Sodere Spa Resort Centre is the most developed spa resort in Ethiopia. You can enjoy Fun and recreation; Therapeutic cure; Hiking trails; Mountain climbing, etc.
RELAX AND SWIM IN SODERE HOT SPRINGS TRANSPORTATION: LAND Day1: after Breakfast,we set off driving on the south east road for the host springs resort of Sodere, which lies along the Awash River. There is a large naturally heated swimming pool( people of Addis pass their week – end here), and a number of smaller pools throughout the grounds of the resort. Vervet monkeys and baboons are common in the resort, and visitors can see crocodiles basking along the banks of the Awash River. The forests which fringe the river are also good for birds – there are about 10 endemics to be seen, including Black Winged Love Bird, White Collared Pigeon, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian Cat Bird, Yellow Fronted Parrot, Abyssinian Wax Bill. We will set off back to Addis Ababa in late afternoon. Sodere gets rather noisy at the weekends – so be warned!
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AL NEGASH – ANCIENT MOSQUE Ethiopia has reputedly known as a Christian Kingdom hence most literature works widely promote and give a detailed insight for the Christian heritages. However the world's rst Islamic community was established not on the Arabian Peninsula (the land of the prophet's birth) but in Africa at a place called Negash in the kingdom of Axum (the present day Northern Ethiopia). Negash is a small village in Wukro 60 km East of Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region. It lies on a high plateau, seven and half thousand feet above sea level, commanding breathtaking view of the surroundings. It got its name from the local Tigrigna word 'Negash or Negasi' meaning a king. “Nejashi” is an Arabic variant. Ethiopia was the rst country which received warmly and allowed the migrants of Prophet Mohammed to exercise their faith peacefully. It was a time when many of his followers were in hiding, discriminated by the Quarysh, mercantile rulers and fundamentalists, and barely able to proclaim their beliefs openly in Arabian for the fear of reprisals. “Go to Habesha (Ethiopia)” the Prophet is said to have told them “there is a Christian King there whose kingdom is one of Justice and Truth. Reside there until Allah comes to our aid.” The rst eleven refugees were arrived in the early years of the 7th century followed by more number of Muslims in the second ight (Hejira). The then renowned King of the Axum was Ashama Ibn Abjar, according to Arabic sources. Some give the same name Ashama to King Armah or his father or son. 'Ashama' seems to correspond to the original Geez name 'EllaSeham', variant Sahma. In fact the place is as old as the faith of Islam itself; surprisingly it is the best unknown place of Islamic worship. With its oldest collection of Muslim heritages, alongside the well known historical heritages of Axum, it is a worth to be visited.
LAKE DENDI From Ginchi, ( km 87 from Addis Ababa), where an important mosque is established, a junction of all weather road of 50 km forks to the left of this tow leading to Boda, a rural village. After about 5 kilometres, one would nd a crater lake called Dendi on the at top of the mountain parallel to Wenchi Crater Lake. Being one of the Oromia's highland lakes, Lake Dendi is lying in the basin encircled by semi at and barren uplands. Lacking green vegetation, its beauty relies on white colored water with the shape of number 8. The scenery can be enhanced if the area is covered with green vegetation by reforestation. Apart from the all – weather gravel road Dendi can be also used for trekking or mule/horse riding from Wenchi Lake or vice – versa on the mountain, just admiring the beautiful landscape of the volcanic chain of hills.
CHEMBELALA (SIDAMA NEW YEAR) Sidama is gifted with variety of cultural heritage: Luwa, Fichchee, Qeexala, circumcision, marriage and mourning ceremonies, the Qale and Qolle cultural sports, and war games by young adults are some of the most prominent cultural heritages of the Sidama society. Fichchee is the Sidama New Year celebration. Sidama follows a lunar calendar which is different from both Ethiopian (Julian) and Western (Gregorian) calendar systems. Fichchee, is unique in the world and is based on the Sidama calendar system. According to the Sidama calendar system, there are only 5 days in a week. These are known as Qawado, Qawalanka, Dikko, and Deela to be followed by the rst day Qawado to complete the 5 day week cycle. A month consists of 28 days, equally divided into 14 days of moonlight and 14 days of darkness (known in Sidama language as Agana and Tunsichcho, respectively). Each of the 28 days of the month has a particular cultural signicance attached to it in Sidama society. Some days are believed to be days that would bring peace and prosperity while others are regarded as days which would lead to challenges and misery. A day that ushers in peace and prosperity is known in Sidama culture as "Adula" day. Anyone who intends to start a new venture, such as marriage, building a house, building a business, is encouraged to begin it on the "Adula" day. Likewise elders advise anyone planning to commence a new venture to avoid days that lead to challenges and misery.
GEDA SYSTEM IRRECHA The Sidama New Year –Fichchee is determined by observing the movements of stars and the moon by the Sidama astrologists known in Sidama language as "Ayyaantto" who have deep knowledge of space and astronomy. The Fichchee, New Year date is not xed. It depends on the relative movements of stars and moon in space. Every year, after different Sidama astrologists assess movements of stars and moon at night for several days they make a preliminary determination of the New Year date. Therefore following the conclusion of their assessment of the movements of the stars and moon and their relative positions in the solar system, the Sidama astrologists convene wider consultation meetings with the Sidama elders and clean leaders to decide the most appropriate date for the New Year, Fichchee. The Fichchee date is therefore determined by collective consultative process among the Sidama astrologists and wise men, elders and clan leaders. The consultation is needed to ensure that Fichchee doesn't fall on any day. As a New Year, Fichchee always falls on a day of peace and prosperity. The Fichchee date is announced in rural markets across Sidama through popular pronouncements known as Lallawa, in Sidama language: The pronouncer would normally lament: "Fichchee will fall on this date. Be ready to usher in the New Year. Tell those who have not heard!”Source : Afro Articles.
UP COMING EVENTS A day to celebrate the Diaspora (Jan 20, 2015)
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared August 16 as Ethiopian Diaspora Day. Ethiopia's Diaspora engagement policy allowed for a speciď€ c day to be set aside for the Ethiopian Diaspora from round the world to meet and it has now been decided that August 16 (Nihase 10) will be the day for an annual celebration of the Ethiopian Diaspora. A Diaspora Day has a number of beneď€ ts including providing the creation of an opportunity for the Ethiopian Diaspora all over the world to connect with the people at home and give a chance for the young generation of Ethiopians abroad to see something of their country and fully experience its culture. The Diaspora Day will also offer an occasion for members of the Diaspora to engage with one another as well as visit Ethiopia. It can be expected to encourage Diaspora tourism. It will give the chance to assess and evaluate the Diaspora activities accomplished during the year and allow members of the Diaspora to make suggestions on matters of concern. It will also underline that the Diaspora is an extension of Ethiopia overseas. August 16 has been chosen because it is a time when a season schools will be closed in most of Europe and the United States and it will be a convenient time for is convenient for families to come to Ethiopia. Source ministry of foregone affairs