A Timeless Tradition at Risk of Losing Its Cultural Soul

By Dhabessa Wakjira

In the lush landscapes of Oromia, as the dark, rainy season gives way to the bright days of spring, a sacred celebration stirs. Goobee and Shinooyyee—the traditional games of young men and women—are more than a cultural event. They are a profound expression of Oromo identity, a living connection to the Gadaa system, and a thanksgiving to Waaqa (God) for the renewal of life.

But as these festivals have grown in popularity, the elders of the Gadaa system are raising a critical concern: the celebrations must remain rooted in their ancient customs and traditions.

The Voice of the Elders

The Abbootii Gadaa Tuulamaa—the Gadaa leaders of the Tulama Oromo—have issued a clear and urgent message. The Goobee and Shinooyyee festivities must be conducted “without abandoning the original culture and traditions.” This is not a mere suggestion; it is a call to protect the very soul of the tradition.

According to the elders, the primary purpose of these celebrations is to welcome the season of Birraa (spring). The games are not simply for entertainment; they are a heartfelt expression of love, a plea for blessings, and a prayer for hope, peace, and unity among the Oromo people. The specific rituals and protocols of Goobee and Shinooyyee are designed to channel the community’s collective spirit toward these goals.

The Rituals and Their Purpose

The Gadaa leaders described the Goobee and Shinooyyee celebrations as a structured, age-specific rite. The games are considered an act of love and blessing, involving prayers to God and expressions of good hope.

Goobee is the festival for young men, while Shinooyyee is for young women. Both are celebrations of spring’s arrival and the feelings of hope and love it brings, but they follow distinct traditional paths:

• Shinooyyee: The night before the main celebration, unmarried girls traditionally prepare the qunnii (grass) in their homes and sleep with it overnight. On the festival day, they carry it to the home of a respected elder, where they receive blessings. They then go from house to house, passing on the qunnii and spreading blessings throughout the community.
• Goobee: Similarly, the young men’s games are governed by specific cultural protocols designed to honor the community’s elders and the traditional order.

A Tradition Under Pressure

The concern voiced by the Abootii Gadaa is that the festival’s deep meaning is being diluted. They observe that “from time to time, individuals are performing un-cultural acts,” a practice that threatens to corrupt the sacred nature of the celebration. By emphasizing the traditional roles—requiring that participants be unmarried and adhere to the age-old customs—the elders are seeking to preserve the festival’s core purpose.

They have also clarified that the games are open to everyone, including married couples and older community members, but the central ritual is the purview of the youth, who are at the specific life stage for this rite of passage.

A Celebration of Unity and Identity

Despite these concerns, the Abootii Gadaa affirmed that Goobee and Shinooyyee are central pillars of Oromo cultural identity. The elders explained that while the festivities may have different names in different parts of Oromia, they are “a common culture for all Oromo people.” This shared heritage serves as a powerful unifier, strengthening social bonds and ensuring the continuity of Oromo history for future generations.

Conclusion: A Call to Protect the Heritage

The message from the Abbootii Gadaa Tuulamaa is a resounding call to action. As the Oromo people continue to revive and celebrate their cultural heritage, the essence of these traditions must not be lost. The authenticity of Goobee and Shinooyyee must be protected, ensuring that they remain a “game of love, blessing, prayer to God, and good hope.”

The elders are not simply guarding a memory; they are nurturing a living tradition that defines the identity of a people.