Men grow a long beard and wear black outfit for several weeks. Throughout the bereavement process, female family members shave their heads, wear black scarves “netella” over their heads, and avoid makeups, decorative clothing, and jewelry. Wearing proper attire something dark-colored or black is preferred. Elderly or respected figures may sit close to the bereaving family say a few consoling words or a prayer, and then exit quietly. What counts is the physical presence to acknowledge the loss of a loved one. A conversation is accepted, but laughter is generally considered offensive. Sitting down in a subdued mood for fifteen minutes would suffice. When paying a visit, acquaintances may remain silent without saying a word. Some relatives would stay overnight to ensure that the family is not alone. Neighbors continue making regular visits and sit with the bereaved together on mats on the floor. The tent will remain up for at least a week. The mourning continues for several weeks or months while any remaining distant relatives and acquaintances arrive to offer their condolences. A priest cites prayers for the soul of the deceased, and church choir sings to pay their last respects. A typical funeral may be attended by thousands of people with a procession followed by a mass gathering at the burial site. It is a big public affair which follows strict rules and religious customs. In both urban and rural Ethiopia, a funeral is a significant event that involves the whole community. Muslim communities follow a common Islamic burial ritual involving bathing and shrouding the body, followed by a funeral prayer. The deceased may be buried in a location of their choice, or in a place that is meaningful to the family such as near to their ancestors. Given a strong religious conviction of the deceased, the church building may be used as the final resting place for the dead.
The burial site is usually near a church compound, or in a local cemetery. During this time, the body is preserved by traditional techniques using medicinal plants and kept in a wooden casket covered with a new cotton garment. This gives distant relatives ample time to arrive for the burial. Unlike in many parts of the country where the dead are buried on the same day, in southern regions such as in Kemabta, Hadiya, Sidama, and Wolayita the burial takes place on the third day, sometimes even longer. Three days of mourning is the norm, and families are under social pressure to do so even if their circumstances do not allow that. The community assumes the responsibility of hosting people who come to pay their respects. These voluntary actions are often considered as a social responsibility and give a sense of pride.Ĭlose friends and neighbors also bring food and drinks to feed the arriving guests as the grieving family is not expected to be involved in any domestic activities. Neighbors organize materials required for the event such as chairs, tables, cookware, blankets and etc. If the grieving family does not have a large house, a white tent will be set up outside or alongside the street to accommodate people. Young men help with setting up rooms, looking after the arriving guests, digging the burial site and preparing the casket. Men often chant songs, praise and tell stories about the deceased one. Female relatives may scratch their face and tear out their hair, throw themselves to the ground, faint, or attempt to harm themselves as a manifestation of intense grief.
Usually, they cry, wail loudly, call out the name of the deceased, and beat their foreheads and chests. Families are expected to express their grief openly. News of the death is orchestrated carefully, and done by a group of elderly or respected community members.Īs soon as the bad news is announced, people start gathering at the deceased’s home to comfort the grieving family. The process of informing family members is handled with great sensitivity. Handling the body, managing the funeral process, and the commemoration of the death follows culturally prescribed rituals. The universal grief responses may be the same but culturally sanctioned rituals vary tremendously among the various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups in the country.įor instance, in southern Ethiopia where various ethnic groups co-exist together, the celebration of the dead takes a longer process. When someone dies in Ethiopia, in addition to the conventional signs of grief, there are specific characteristics unique to communities in the rural region. Though death has become a part of everyday life just like war, famine, and disease people take it seriously, and almost personally. Ethiopians have elaborate traditions associated with death and bereavement.
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