Submitted by: Kifayate Dawud

In the Oromo culture, there is a special ritual that takes place to support and welcome a women into Motherhood; each time she has a baby.

Just 5 days after giving birth, new moms are bathed in herbs and given a massage by the elderly women in the community. These elderly women are usually the midwives or family members. Furthermore, new moms are supported for 40 days by the women in their family, their friends, neighbors and community. They come to visit and provide emotional support by keeping the new mom company, cleaning the house, helping with her other children and bringing food that are rich in nutrients to support breastfeeding.

When I had both of my kids, I received traditional foods such as oat porridge, marqa, basu, hulbat marakh and herbal tea. The part of Oromia I’m from, Hararghe, consists of mostly Muslims and these are the rituals I witnessed growing up in Dire Dawa.

Afortoom Baha

Afortoom Baha translates to “40 days outing,” and is a 40 day celebration. In this ceremony, they show off the baby to their neighbors. The baby, the mother, grandmother, sisters and the whole family get dressed up and walk around with the baby to show off and receive blessings from their community. Many of the people participating, including children, sing and bless the baby. They give out popcorn and dates for good luck. Additionally, the women hold coffee ceremonies throughout the 40 days and pray to God.

Images are from this great video on BBC, documenting the beautiful ceremony. Enjoy!

“The Oromo people are a Cushitic ethnic group and nation native to Ethiopia and Kenya who speak the Oromo language. They are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia and represent 34.5% of Ethiopia's population.” -Wikipedia

Is there a Motherhood ritual or rite of passage that takes place in your culture?
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