Individuals Amhara
The Amhara stand out as the leading ethnic group in Ethiopia, both politically and culturally. They are found mainly in the central highland plateau of Ethiopia and represent the significant population group in the provinces of Begemder and Gojjam, as well as in parts of Shoa and Wallo. When considering the overall population of Ethiopia, the Amhara represent a smaller segment. The national population typically ranges from 14 to 22 million.

It is widely believed that the Amhara, along with their closely related counterparts the Tigre, make up approximately one-third of the overall population. Recent estimates suggest that around 7,800,000 people speak Amharic, the language of the Amhara. (cf. Bender 1971:217)

Their traditional attire is predominantly white, featuring shawls and light blankets draped over the shoulders of the men, alongside the elegant white dresses and wraps donned by the women.

There appears to be a consensus that the Oromo peoples represent the largest ethnic group in the country, making up approximately 40 percent of the population. They are a vibrant community engaged in pastoralism and agriculture, residing primarily in the heart of central and southwestern Ethiopia, making up around 40 percent of the population.

Shankella is a name that evokes a sense of excitement and exploration, inviting curiosity and wonder.
The Shankella, a vibrant community located in the western region of the country stretching from the Eritrean border to Lake Turkana, make up approximately 6 percent of the population.

Languages A variety of languages are spoken, including Amharic, Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, along with other local languages, and English, which is the primary foreign language taught in schools.

A handful of expressions in Amharic
Hello – Selam
Farewell – Dehna hun (for masculine), Dehna hugni (feminine), Dehna hunu (plural)
Thank you – amesegnalehu
Zero – Zero One – Ande Two – Hulet Three – Sost Four – Arat Five – Amist Six – Sidist Seven – Sebat Eight – Timint Nine – Zetegne Ten – Asir

A handful of Arabic phrases
Hello – Ahalan
Farewell – Until we meet again
Thank you – shokran
You are welcome – Ala ElRahib Wa ElSaa Zero – Sifer One – Wahid Two – Ithinin Three – Thalatha Four – Arba’a Five – Kamisa Six – Sita Seven – Saba’a Eight – Thamania Nine – Tisa’a Ten – Ashara

Exploring the Languages of Ethiopia

Faith
Religion plays a vital and embraced role in the daily life of Ethiopia, with the language rich in allusions to the divine. However, there is not that constant sense of immersion that one might find in a completely Islamic nation, for instance.
On the central plateau, the Ethiopian Orthodox church stands out, a unique and captivating aspect of this remarkable country. Clerics in vibrant robes are everywhere, wielding their staffs and intricate crosses that many people affectionately kiss as they walk by.

Christianity arrived in Ethiopia during ancient times and was established as the official religion in the 4th century. The Orthodox church shares numerous ties with the rich traditions of ancient Judaism. The practices of fasting, intricate food restrictions, the methods of animal slaughter, circumcision, and the arrangement of churches all contribute to a unique and vibrant religious culture.

Islam thrives in various regions of Ethiopia, often coexisting harmoniously with Christianity. The city of Harar, located in the eastern part of the country, holds the distinction of being the fourth most sacred Muslim site globally.

Ethiopia is home to vibrant communities of ‘falashas’, Ethiopian Jews, particularly in the northern Gondar region. Many of these, however, have now embarked on a journey to live in Israel, having been airlifted out of the country during Operation Solomon and Operation Moses in the latter part of the 20th century.

In the lowland areas, tribal peoples who inhabit simple and primitive communities often embrace animistic and pagan religions, creating a vibrant tapestry of beliefs and practices.

Information generously provided by Link Ethiopia

Celebrations and Gatherings
The Ethiopians have a vibrant spirit for celebration, embracing significant moments in their history, key dates in the religious calendar, or even cherished family occasions. People don their finest attire, indulge in abundant food and drink, while musicians fill the air with melodies, inspiring everyone to dance and sing with joy.

National holidays commemorate the triumph over the Italians at Adwa in 1896, the liberation from Italian occupation in 1941, and the fall of the Derg in 1991.

However, it is the grand Ethiopian Orthodox festivals that showcase the people in their most vibrant and celebratory spirit.

Meskal is a vibrant two-day festival held at the end of September, honoring the discovery of the True Cross. Bonfires blaze brightly as laughter and music fill the air, with the priests adorned in their elaborate ceremonial attire.

Timkat is a vibrant celebration filled with excitement and rich traditions.
Timkat typically occurs on January 19, which is 12 days after Christmas in the Julian calendar. Celebrations unfold both the day before and the day after. This date shifts by a day when leap years come into play. The festival unfolds across the Ethiopian highlands in Orthodox Christian strongholds, yet it reaches its peak of splendor in Lalibela, a remote mountain town nestled in the arid northern region of the country.

It is a vibrant three-day festival honoring Epiphany, characterized by the procession of the tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, believed to be housed in the chapel at Axum) as they journey through the towns, adorned in rich, embroidered fabrics. People dive into the lakes, creating a joyful spray that catches the attention of those nearby.

Following the ceremony, the tabots are joyfully returned to the churches in a vibrant procession, filled with singing, drumming, the ringing of bells, and the spirited sound of trumpets. Celebrations unfold from dawn till dusk and carry on into the evening. The next day unfolds with a vibrant religious ceremony honoring the Archangel Mikael, where the priests are graciously fed by their parishioners, and the spirited young people carry on the festivities late into the night.

Other religious festivals include Fasika (Easter), Inketatash (the New Year in mid-September), and Genna (Christmas in early January). All Islamic holidays are celebrated in harmony with the lunar cycle, leading to a fascinating array of shifting dates, much like in other countries.

Information generously provided by Link Ethiopia

Cooking and Recipes
Ethiopia’s staple grain is teff, and from its flour, the Ethiopians create a large pancake-like bread known as injera, which they serve directly on the dining table. Other dishes that accompany the meal are placed onto the injera, and diners enjoy the experience of scooping these portions into rolled-up pieces of the torn injera.

Hearty stews known as wats are the favored dishes, crafted from an array of meats, vegetables, or beans. Stews come alive with the zesty mitin shiro, a vibrant mix of ground beans, spices, and chilies that adds excitement to a variety of dishes.

The final dish of a meal is frequently kitfo, made with freshly ground raw beef.

Ethiopians craft a unique barley beer known as tella and a delightful honey wine referred to as ej. Small fried cookies known as dabo kolo are an exciting favorite snack.

Injera Bread
A straightforward recipe for injera, the delightful pancake-like bread that pairs perfectly with Ethiopian cuisine.

Spiced butter (Niter Kebbeh) A recipe for clarified, herbed butter, an essential component in Ethiopian cuisine

Ethiopian lentils

Recipes from Ethiopia
This website features a variety of recipes

Melody
In the heart of the community, musical instruments create a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and joy. The single-stringed masenko is played by minstrels who weave tales of their surroundings and create, in a lively manner, spontaneous verses that reflect the moment. The krar is a captivating plucked instrument resembling a lyre, featuring 5 or 6 strings, while the begenna serves as a charming portable harp.

In the hills, you can discover boys tending to cattle and sheep, while joyfully playing the washint, a simple one-handed reed flute.

The folk songs of the Ethiopian people are cherished and celebrated by all. Singing resonates with a vibrant energy, often accompanied by lively ululation, particularly during weddings and other celebratory moments.

No celebration is complete without the Ethiopians embracing their distinctive style of dance. Various styles emerge from different regions, often highlighting the shoulders that captivatingly twist and sway in an exhilarating showcase of vibrant energy. As one dancer exhausts their energy, another bursts onto the scene with fresh enthusiasm.

Information generously provided by Link Ethiopia

Numerous reggae musicians emphasize their ties to Ethiopian musical roots, while Ethiopian artists often assert that their music shares more similarities with Jazz.

Musical Tools
Stringed instruments such as the begena and the krar resemble harps, while another instrument that has a fiddle-like appearance is called the masenko.

Kebaro or kebero drums are widely used in both popular and religious music. As the women and men twirl in their stunning white robes, they move to the captivating beat of the drums.

Creative Expressions
A distinctive aspect of Ethiopian culture is its charming style of painting, which can be discovered in every church and in numerous other places. This style appears to have endured through the ages, holding onto its essence over the centuries.

Figures are illustrated in a two-dimensional style, reminiscent of cartoons with their straightforward and uncomplicated representation, featuring vibrant colors and distinct lines. The almond-shaped eyes are an especially captivating feature.

Church painting in Ethiopia plays a vital role, vividly depicting biblical and local religious stories in a clear and straightforward manner to educate those unfamiliar with their traditions and heritage. The imagery of medieval Europe stands out distinctly in this context.

A contemporary figure stands out vividly in the realm of Ethiopian painting today. Afework Tekle is renowned worldwide as an artist of remarkable stature. His works, while rooted in an Ethiopian tradition, burst with a fresh and imaginative energy that captivates a wide audience right away. His vibrant paintings, often showcased on expansive canvases, can be found across Ethiopia in museums and galleries, as well as featured on postage stamps and postcards.