Core Values at a Glance: At its heart, Irreechaa is built on gratitude to Waaqa (God), which flows into four enduring pillars: peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, unity and inclusivity, and connection with nature.

Irreechaa is more than a harvest celebration in Oromo culture — it is a complete moral and spiritual framework. Here is a closer look at its core values.

🙏 Gratitude and Thanksgiving

This is the foundation of Irreechaa. The Oromo people gather to thank Waaqa (the Creator) for the blessings of the past year — life, peace, rain, harvest, health, family, and the fertility of livestock. It is not merely a celebration but a humble recognition that all life depends on the Creator’s generosity. Gratitude, in this sense, is not just spoken; it is felt and lived.

🤝 Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Peace

Irreechaa carries a transformative power. Before taking part in the ceremony, participants are expected to let go of grudges, release anger, and seek reconciliation with others. Traditional belief holds that prayers offered with a pure and forgiving heart are the ones through which true peace can descend. Former Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described Irreechaa as an occasion for reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.

🕊️ Unity and Inclusivity

Irreechaa is radically inclusive. People of all ages, genders, religions, political views, and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to join. Scholars note that it unites not only Oromo people but also transcends language and territorial boundaries, bringing diverse communities together under the principles of peace, mutual respect, and coexistence. Participants dressed in white are themselves a symbol of that peace.

🌿 Connection with Nature

Irreechaa expresses a deep bond between humanity and the natural world. Ceremonies are held along riverbanks and lakeshores, where participants carry fresh green grass and flowers, dip them in water, and sprinkle the water as a blessing of renewal, hope, and purification. This ritual is not only an act of gratitude toward nature but also reflects the Oromo ethical principle of Safuu — the understanding that human beings are stewards of the earth, responsible for protecting water, soil, and the balance of life.

Together, these values form the spiritual core of Irreechaa, making it far more than a festival. It is a living heritage that continues to shape Oromo identity, moral life, and community bonds across generations.