FICHCHEE
FICHCHEE: The Sidama people’s New Year Celebration as one of the most distinguished peculiar features of the Sidama people
Written: MTT
Edited: NOMONANOTO
What is Fichchee? / What is the basis for establishment of
Sidama people calendar? and what are the necessary events occurring
before and after Fiche Celebration?
Fichchee is an anniversary celebrated by the Sidama people as a New
Year event. According to socio-cultural heritages handed down by
forefathers through generations to descendants (current generation)
Sidama New Year (Fichhcee) anniversary has been celebrated for more than
2000 years. Basis for such unique local New Year’s Day determination
and celebration is Sidama calendar which was an outcome of unreserved
and relentless innovative efforts of selected knowledgeable and highly
respected group of people who were actively involved in profound study
of the solar system among which the moon, earth, sun and stars included.
According to Sidama people such complicated investigations on part of
the solar system is conducted and findings communicated to the public by
most intelligent group of people popularly known as Ayyantto
(“Astrologists”).
Ayyantto reading the sacrificial cow’s stomach lining to portend the future: Photo from http://www.pinterest.com/pin/550565123166426407/ |
Since period of ancient time up to present this selected group of
people has been undertaking comprehensive study on characteristics
including shape, color, volume, distance between each other, mobility,
change of their position through time and related situations of the
solar system. To accomplish very tasks of such unique phenomenon in the
locality they get out of their living house at midnight and assemble
outside and observe situations of the moon and stars for several hours a
day for at least four to six days per month. Most of the time they
perform such tasks collectively and some occasions they carry out their
study individually. When undertaking investigation in group each will
present analyzed findings of what he has observed and thoroughly
discussions on observations and findings will be made to arrive at
plausible conclusion. If observations and related investigations done
individually investigation findings will be presented on appointed time
and place where general meeting of the group held.
According to discussion procedure principle of Sidama which is termed
as the Affini system (have you heard system) before reaching to
conclusions /declaring on issues of special public affairs of interest
implementation of the Affini system procedure is strictly observed to
realize its exercise. Therefore before making conclusion remarks and
declaration on issues of public importance the Affini principle strongly
presupposes application of its procedure to be not only essential but
also mandatory. According to Sidama people Affini system (have you
heard?) every selected topic of interest to be discussed by the public,
general assembly of associations, groups and on this special assembly of
Ayyantto (local astrologists) discussions should fulfill requirement
of set criteria of the Affini system.
According to Affini principle first and foremost agenda for
discussion should be selected/chosen by assembly member and approved at
least by the majority. The assembly is led by elected chair person
and/or highly respected community leader or cultural leader. The chair
person opens the floor for discussion inviting members to forward
suggestions on the agenda. He receives two or more supplementary ideas
for the suggestion provided. Following this the leader invites members
to forward views against the suggestion. Maintaining application of the
system he invites two or three members to forward evidences supporting
the one who objected previous suggestion. After giving adequate time for
both groups to vent out their opinion he further calls up on all
members of the assembly to actively participate on this essentially all
rounded discussion the outcome of which is expected to produce reliable
findings very important to make plausible conclusions and
recommendations.
Sidama elders gathering: Photo from commonriver.org |
To collect evidence based information from suggestions /opinions or
comments which serve as pro or against the groups the chairperson opens
the floor and invites members to enable them actively involved in
discussions through asking questions, make comments, amendments,
clarifications, participating in dialogues and debates, forwarding
decisions, making critical evaluation of evidences given by the two
groups, suggesting possible conclusion and recommendations and the like.
Adequate time will be allocated by the chairperson for discussants to
enable them participate whole heartedly on such thorough and indeed
detailed and all rounded discussions meant to produce most dependable
evidences which is of vital importance to make credible decisions. In
the discussion process ideas which instigate irrelevant disputes,
disregard, disrespect, insult, under estimations, gossips, and blabs,
black mailing and related opinions which create hostility between
supporters of two parties will not be entertained.
Application of aforementioned steps of the Affini system procedure is
so strictly observed for it is considered as not only essential but
also mandatory to produce reliable evidence very much needed to pass non
partisan resolution, produce evidence based findings needed to fortify
strength of conclusion and recommendations made to be declared on behalf
of represented public and its spiritually trustful socio-cultural
heritages (Sidama).
The purpose of undertaking such meticulous Affini system
implementation activities found its basis in that Sidama people believe
in Magano (God) who is omnipotent, omnipresent, the all can do , creator
of everything that exists, among others he is Truth. Based on this
opinion of their own they believed that Magano (God) is Truth and during
our stay on this land all activities we undertake/behave should be
concordant to general truth (where creator remains disposer of
everything). Depending on this governing idea Sidama people believe that
while living in this world we have to try our level best to find out
correct pathway of truth and live with. It is the opinion of Sidama
people that no matter huge sacrifice demanding the cost of truth becomes
we have to be bound to do, behave, act, talk, etc and all our deed in
life should conform with reality(Truth).
It is to realize this belief that they dedicated themselves to be so
meticulous to critically evaluate deeds, behaviors, innovations and the
like on reality basis before declaring public issues of importance
which need to be implemented to serve development enhancing purpose of
the people. Mentioned description of events was deliberately made to
avoid confusions that innovative activities of Sidama’s Ayyantto (local
astrologists) which enabled the people have their own new year
(Fichchee) to celebrate as one of indisputable gains of Sidama calendar
the establishment of which was an outcome of relentless and indeed
unprecedented efforts of Sidama people made before 2000 years. Over all
events that led to establishment of Sidama calendar was based on Moon’s
position, movement, shape, color, direction, etc and courses it follows
to rotate on itself, revolves around the earth and the sun. Moreover its
spatial relations to other stars and their position, movements
(appearing separated or close to the moon and/or to each other) were
some the events which Sidama astrologists had close observations and
investigated their overall function to produce evidences of vital
importance to establish the calendar.
Based on investigation findings of the Ayyantto (“Sidama
astrologists”) and according to established calendar Sidama has a week
comprising of five days. Names of days of the week were derived from
market days occurring in different places and were name as Diko, Deella,
Kawaado and Kawalanka respectively. According to the calendar a month
has 28 days and each day has its own name. According to the Ayyantto
some days of the month on which day some work is done, travel made,
foundation of new establishment and the like done may end up in good
luck or bad luck to performer. Declaration of first day of next month
and that of first day of New Year (Fichchee) will be announced when the
Ayyantto see close approximation of the moon to five constellations of
stars with defined movements observed in relation to each other and to
that of the moon. Since establishment of the calendar activities have
been undertaken by Ayyantto in each month and year through out in
regular basis till present time.
History of Sidama calendar with its relationship with overall
socio-economic, socio-cultural and related affairs is broad and so wider
that it cannot be exhausted in such very limited description and for
simplicity only few events encountered in relation with Fiche (Sidama’s
New Year) events will be entertained briefly.
Preparation to celebrate forth coming new year (Fichchee) will start
soon after second month of the new year celebration has occurred in
mid year (6th month) most house wives start preparing through
processing the Enset plant after cutting it mashing its stem and root
together with mixing it Gamancho (preserved root serving to ferment it
thereby giving it desirable flavor). After lapse of months prepared
kocho will be squeezed to let it dry and become ready to be used for
preparation. Squeezed liquid coming out from solid kocho will be let to
settle and dry to produce high quality kocho which is otherwise known as
Bulla (kocho which is paper white in color and indeed of best
quality). Better to be used on the celebration day will be started to
be collected and reserved before 04 months of celebration. To put / save
adequate reserve house wives engage in working collectively so that
every house hold has sufficient amount of better to be used on
celebration day. Collection and putting as reserve of wood will be made
several months before the celebration for on that day no one is expected
and even culturally allowed to go to bush to gather it. Every necessary
materials (wood, kocho, better, water, furniture, goods, utensils, etc)
will be ready at least one week prior to celebration day.
One month prior to celebrating anniversary of Fiche particularly
community elders, leaders and cultural leaders will start one month
lasting fasting. During their fasting period they pray longer hours per
day praising the lord (Magano). They initially pray for their own selves
praising the lord that he forgives them from whatever sins committed
and misdoings they underwent in the last year. After that start to pray
through praising the lord on behalf of their people (indigenous) other
people living with them by and large the country so that almighty who is
the all can do forgive them all and the country at large from all sins
committed, misbehavior, misdoings, malpractices done and the like.
Moreover they use left period of time to communicate with members of
communities who got involved in conflicts, disputes and the like between
each other, families, sub –clans, ethnic groups, religious groups and
the like in attempt of bringing about reconciliations /conflict
resolutions.
In addition to this they communicate with representatives
of other communites cultural and religious leaders, local
administrators, representatives of other social groups including women,
youth, farmers, workers, professionals, intellectuals and others
involved and concerned to effectively deal with problems of various
sorts encountered in their geared attempt of bringing about
reconcilations doing away socio – economic , socio – cultural, ethnic,
religious and other related clashes, disputes and/or clashes occurred
between (individuals, families, ethnic groups and others involved and
concerned before declared time for eve of new year’s celebration
approaches. Moreover fulfillment of socio – cultural heritages
including Fiche celebration, respect, preservation and protection
directing cultural law strongly presupposes that each adult element or
every member of Sidama is expected to meet requirement for set
objectives of Fiche celebration among which says that the people being
led by community elders, leaders and cultural leaders should make inner
heart felt prayer with their leaders including praising the creator/
God /Magano from 1st day of fasting and praying to 30th
day (1 month) through period of which they make prayer and respectfully
demand magano/God to bring about realization of best wish they have
to all human beings that let coming new year of Fiche celebration be
time of health, peace,unity, work, prosperity, security, tolerance of
diversity and by and large welfarity to all living things (animals and
plants as well) particularly in this strict sense to all humans
irrespective of race, ethnicity,citzenship, age, sex,location of
residence, religion, culture, ideology,outlook, education/intelligence
levels, wealth, social status, difference in levels/status of
responsibilities or rank of power they possess to lead people in given
localities or countries and the like) so that forthcoming new year be
made to serve purpose of maintaining love with each other, harmony,
fraternity, brother/ sister hood, harmony, unity and such conducive
atmosphere be used to increase levels of productivity in all sorts of
efforts to enhance and strengthen levels of health development and
development advancement in the country.
Before two weeks of celebration day the Ayyantto of Sidama get out of
their residential house at mid night and very carefully observe and
investigate situations occurring in and around the moon and after they
confirm relation of the moon to constellations of the stars they
unanimously reach to agree as when the day of new year celebration will
be and they declare this event celebration day usually on market days
and using other means heralding day of celebration of new year as
decided by all of them.
Eve of the New Year is popularly called Fitaari (eve of Sidama’s new
year: Fiche). During this event households residing nearby most elder
person and family gather in house of this eldest father to celebrate the
event. As mentioned above preparation made by each household to
celebrate new year was over long before several months and Kocho /
preferably Bulla prepared and mixed with needed amount of butter
depending on type of (waasa preparation requiring increased amount of
butter as that happens/seen in Chukame, Buurisame and Shaqishame which
is contained in material made of clay soil called Shaafeeta or Shaaqqo
respectively).together with milk collected will be served to those who
gather as a feast prepared to welcome the new year. Similar events
celebration occasions occurs on that very special event in each
household in the communities.
Burisaame: Photo from commonriver.org |
On such event celebration day only Waasa/Bu’la/ kocho full of butter
and milk is served in the meal no meat included. Even on that very night
meat should not be left in any of Sidama household. Early on the first
day of new Fichchee year sons/ daughters, grandsons/daughters and other
relatives come to house of the eldest leader and say Ayidde Cambbalaalla
(Happy new year!) and Mam and Dad of their children and grand children
will respond by saying Iille/ Iilli (Happy new year to you and to
all!). In the mean time water full of Tiltte (Utensil on which kocho is
served) will be presented infront on whose upper edge small better is
put on the top edge of it taken to anoint on ones forehead and there
after everybody say let Fiche comes every year, happy new year, and
also say long live Fiche and its celebration!!!!.
Ever body who appears to this eldest father’s home shares from what
is available. Exactly similar events occur in every household of sidama
communities. On this day young children of communities will go to every
household of which their parents have preferably better relationship
even if this is not mandatory and they share from whatever staffs
available after consuming of which they play cultural songs and dances
relevant to and indeed chosen for celebration of Sidama’s newyear
(Fiche). On this very day children are left to relax and enjoy from the
celebration and they are not expected to be fetch water, look after
cattle, and perform any tasks in and out of their houses, compounds and
villages.
Moreover due attention is placed on domesticated animals
(cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, mules, etc) and they will be made
to graze from grass left to flourish for months to be used by animals on
this very day which shows that utmost emphasis has been placed even to
enable animals enjoy the day and as a matter of fact way no animal is
slaughtered on this very day for consumption of their meat. After
enjoying from the feast prepared for the celebration every social group
will go to chosen place for celebration of the newyear and show their
participation on celebrating the event. Boys and girls join group of
cultural songs and dance called Faaro / Lembbo and those group of
married men and women join Hano (Cultural dance involving only married
women and men) , other group which include matured male particularly and
women and boys./girls to some extent join songs/ dances prepared to
adore and witness importance of this great Fichchee new year
celebration.
Even though culture of Sidama people strongly presupposes giving
alms and providing of any available and affordable support to the
poorest of poor, this new year’s celebration gives utmost emphasis on
providing support to those who are poor, infected and affected by
communicable diseases including HIV–AIDS .STIS, vulnerable children, the
elderly and those who were handicapped as a result of which providing
support to such groups has been considered as most essential part of
Sidama’s new year celebration. Celebrating the newyear will continue
till one month in every area most importantly newyear’s celebration will
continue through making/playing cultural songs, dances and chanting on
various market places. Moreover this occasion of celebrating new year’s
anniversary incidentally used by overwhelming majority of Sidama people
to actively participate on escalating coordinated efforts being made to
bring about concerted and conjoint collaborative efforts of all which is
of vital importance to reduce further spread of communicable diseases
including HIV–AIDS and mitigate its adverse effects and reduce poverty
levels in Sidama zone in particular and our country in general. This is
only most precise and concise description made pertaining events in most
likely encountered and well taken care of in Sidama’s new year (
Fichchee ) celebration.
Source:hawassasidama
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