19/11/2023
DHAHA : THE INDIGENOUS OROMO CALENDAR
"The people of Oromo use a calendar called Dhaha or Henni which is an indigenous calendar system based on astronomical observations of the moon in conjunction with particular stars or constellations. The Oromo time-experts are called Ayyaantu, who have knowledge about stars and can tell the day, the month, the year and the Gadaa period by keeping track of time astronomically.
The Oromo calendar is believed to have been developed by the Oromos around 300 BC by observing the moon and the constellations. This calendar consists of 12 months and 354 days in a year. There are no weeks according to this calendar. The names of the 12 lunar months are;
Abraasaa (December), Amajjii (January), Guraandhala (February), Bitooteessa (March), Caamsaa (April), Buufaa (May), Waxabajjii (June), Oboraa Guddaa (July), Oboraa Xiqqaa (August), Birraa (September), Ciqqaa (October) and Sadaasa (November).
Among these 12 months, each of four months have 31 days and each of eight months have 30 days.
The other aspect about the Oromo calendar is the days of the month.
Astoundingly there are different names for the 27 days of one month. These are:
Day 1. Bitta Kara
Day 2. Bita Lama
Day 3. Gardaduma
Day 4. Sonsa
Day 5. Sorsa
Day 6. Rurruma
Day 7. Algajima
Day 8. Lumasa
Day 9. Arba
Day 10. Gidada
Day 11. Walla
Day 12. Ruda
Day 13. Basa Duraa
Day 14. Basa Balloo
Day 15. Areeri Duraa
Day 16. Areerii Balloo
Day 17. Carra
Day 18. Adula Duraa
Day 19. Adula Balloo
Day 20. Maganatti Jarra
Day 21. Maganatti Britti
Day 22. Garba Duraa
Day 23. Garba Ballaa
Day 24. Garba Dullacha
Day 25. Salbana Duraa
Day 26. Salbana Ballaa
Day 27. Salban Dullacha
The first three or four names of the days of the month can be repeated for months having more than 27 days.
In the month of Abraasaa (December) on the 15th day, Waaqa (God) created Days, Months, and Earth respectively. Oromo believes in one true God called Waaqa, saying «Gurraacha garaa garbaa, tokkicha maqaa dhibbaa.» (The only black with hundreds of names).
The month of Caamsaa (April) is when Waaqa created horses and, and when Waaqa fixed pillars to the earth for the earth shaken due to human sins.
In Borana/ Oromo calendar, the 7th month is Waxabajii (June). It was the month when humans approached Waaqa and asked for his mercy and get blessings. Culture was also started during this month. Enacting of Gadaa laws is carried out during this month by the Oromos.
The month of Birraa (September) was when Waaqa was saddened to the sins humans made in the months of Oboraa Guddaa (July) and Oboraa Xiqqaa (August). Due this Waaqa created harmful creatures like snake and other plants in the month of Birraa (September).
According to this Oromo calendar, the 12th or last month of the year Sadaasa (November) is the month during which Waaqa (God of Oromos ? ) created Sheep and Coffee. It was the month when Waaqa distanced himself from humans after offering laws and orders.
Based on the Oromo elders and a book called 'DAANIYAA' counting of Gadaa period and cycles for centuries, currently we are in 6417 Oromo calendar year." Ancient Egypt and Oromo writes
Oromia-My Country
