I recently participated in a festival called “Irreecha” in Ethiopia.
Many of you may be hearing about it for the first time, but Irreecha is a traditional event of the Oromo people in Ethiopia. It's a festival held to give thanks to nature for bringing abundant harvests as the dark and cold rainy season ends and the new year begins (the Ethiopian New Year is in September). You could say it's the Ethiopian version of Thanksgiving.
Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic nation where over 80 ethnic groups coexist, with the Oromo being the largest, said to comprise nearly 30% of the population. While possessing their own language and culture, they have also maintained deep connections with surrounding ethnic groups like the Amhara, Afar, and Somali. Throughout their long history, conflicts between ethnic groups have sometimes led to instability. Yet in Iliqa, it was truly impressive to see people gathering and celebrating together, transcending those boundaries.
It was truly spectacular to see people of all ages, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, gathered together! Actually, friends had advised me beforehand, “To show respect to the Oromo people, Hiroko should also wear Oromo attire.” So, I went wearing traditional clothes borrowed from an Oromo staff member, and everyone was delighted. People everywhere asked to take photos with me or requested interviews.
At the festival, people gather by the water's edge holding flowers and grass to offer prayers. Particularly symbolic is the act of scooping water to pour onto the earth or sprinkle over oneself and neighbors. This represents the interconnectedness of “the sky that brings rain,” “the earth that nurtures life,” and “ourselves and our companions who live by its blessings.” It is said to be an important ritual embodying harmony between nature and humanity, and the bonds of community.
After the prayers, endless songs and dances unfolded, quintessentially Ethiopian. The scene overflowed with happiness, making me truly feel from the heart that gratitude for nature's bounty and the joy of being alive transcend countries and ethnicities.
Now, the yellow daisy plays a vital role in this festival. As it blankets the land in yellow during this season welcoming the new year, it is widely cherished in Ethiopia as a special flower symbolizing happiness and hope.
Inspired by the vivid beauty of its yellow hue and the joyful scenery it creates, the color collection “Euphoria” was born. We hope you can feel, even just a little, the positive energy of the Ethiopian people who live in harmony with nature.
