Ashenda

Ashenda
Ashenda celebration in 1921
Official name	Ashenda
Also called	Girls' Day
Observed by	Tigrayans, recently spread throughout Ethiopia
Type	Cultural
Begins	16 August
Ends	26 August
Date	After the end of Filseta
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Filseta

Ashenda (Tigrinya: ኣሸንዳ) is a festival that originated in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, dating back to around 400 AD during the Axumite civilization. [1] While it is now celebrated across various regions of Ethiopia, its origins are tied to Tigray and an ancient pagan ritual known as “Ayni Wari” (Tigrinya: ዓይኒ ዋሪ), meaning “Eye of the Blackbird.” Some suggest that this ritual, which honored feminine divinity and seasonal changes, predates the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia. [2]

With the spread of Christianity, Ashenda became associated with the Orthodox Tewahedo Church and connected to the two-week fasting period known as Filseta, which honors the Virgin Mary. [3] The festival marks the end of this fast with vibrant celebrations that emphasize themes of gratitude, community, and the importance of women in society.

While Ashenda originated in Tigray, it has spread to other parts of Ethiopia, including the Amhara and Gurage regions, where it has been adopted with regional variations.

Leading up to the festival, women and girls prepare by adorning themselves with traditional jewelry, dresses embroidered with colorful patterns, and unique hairstyles. They also incorporate Ashenda grass into their attire, wearing it as skirts or carrying it as decorative bundles on their backs. These preparations reflect the creativity and cultural pride central to the celebration.

On the first day of the festival, participants gather at local Orthodox Tewahedo churches, often dedicated to St. Mary, to begin the festivities. Groups of women and girls then go from house to house in their communities, singing, dancing, and entertaining families in exchange for small gifts or tokens of appreciation. [4] After visiting homes, they gather in open fields or public spaces to continue their celebrations, which include more dancing, singing, and socializing. Traditionally, the money collected from these performances would be offered to the church in honor of the Virgin Mary, further emphasizing the festival’s connection to faith and charity. [5]

In the modern day, Ashenda has evolved into a celebration of women’s empowerment, liberation, and the beauty of womanhood. While its religious significance remains, the festival has increasingly taken on a cultural focus, highlighting the role of women and girls in society. Ashenda now serves as a platform for women to express their voices, talents, and creativity, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and community. [6] Its transformation into a cultural holiday reflects its universal appeal and enduring importance in contemporary Ethiopian society.

While the festival primarily focuses on women and girls, men often play supportive roles by offering gifts such as food, clothing, or other presents. In some areas, fathers or male relatives may accompany their daughters to ensure their safety during the celebrations. Ashenda is seen as a time of joy and community, where people come together to celebrate cultural traditions, strengthen social bonds, and honor the contributions of women in society. Today, it is embraced by communities across Ethiopia and is recognized as an important cultural event that highlights the beauty, creativity, and unity of its participants.

Name

The name Ashenda (Tigrinya: ኣሸንዳ) originates from the Tigrinya word for a type of tall green grass, which grows in the Tigray region. During the festival, girls and women use this grass as part of their attire, often weaving it into skirts or carrying it as decorative bundles on their backs. The grass symbolizes vitality, growth, and a connection to nature, reflecting the themes of joy and renewal central to the celebration.

The festival’s name and traditions have spread to other regions of Ethiopia, where it is celebrated under different names. Among the Amhara people, it is referred to as Ashendeye (Amharic: አሸንድዬ), Shadey (Amharic: ሻደይ), or Solel (Amharic: ሶለል), while the Gurage people call it Engicha (Sebat Bet Gurage: እንግቻ). In Eritrea, a similar tradition exists, particularly among Tigrinya-speaking communities, preserving many of the same customs and cultural expressions tied to the festival.

See also

• Filseta

External links

- Addis Fortune News, "Heritage Inscription Woes Exasperate Floundering Tourism Industry"

- UNESCO, "Format for National Register of thé Intangible Cultural Héritages of Ethiopia"