Our Culture

Ethiopia boasts an expansive range of ethnic and linguistic diversity, with over 80 different ethnic groups, each possessing its own language, culture, customs, and traditions. The Oromo tribe make up the majority of people (roughly 20%), followed by the Amhara then Tigrayan.

A unique part of Ethiopian culture is its literature, encompassing the ancient Ge’ez language and modern Amharic. Ge’ez, one of the world's oldest languages, remains in use today by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which upholds unique customs and traditions integral to Ethiopian identity.

Ethiopia boasts a diverse mix of religions. Our largest religion, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, traces its roots back to the 4th century, serving as the second oldest christian nation behind Armenia. The church influences daily life through numerous fasting periods and celebrations like Timkat (Epiphany) and Meskel (Finding of the True Cross).

Islam is also significant in Ethiopia, especially in Harar, Afar, and Somali regions. Ethiopian Muslims celebrate Ramadan and Eid with great devotion, enriching the country's cultural practices. The ancient city of Harar, called the "City of Saints," is a key center for Islamic scholarship.

Ethiopia is also home to the Beta Israel or Falasha, a small but vibrant Jewish community with a long history stemming back from Menilek I, the son of the Queen of Sheba (Makeda) and King Solomon.

Indigenous belief systems also thrive, particularly among ethnic groups in the south and west and often involve nature and ancestor worship.

The traditional Ethiopian costume, made of woven cotton, includes the gabbi or netella for both men and women. Women often wear dresses (kemis) with netella, adorned with colorful embroidered crosses or other designs. Ethnic groups in the south and west have distinct traditional costumes. Some tribes use leather coverings, while others decorate their faces and bodies with unique patterns, forgoing clothing entirely. In the north, it is common to see women with crosses on their forehead as a sign of beauty and tribal identity.

The national dish of Ethiopia is wat, a spicy stew served with injera, a large spongy pancake made from teff flour unique to the Ethiopian highlands and taking 3 days to ferment. Wat comes in various types, including chicken, beef, lamb, vegetables, lentils, and ground split peas, all seasoned with berbere, a blend of dried red pepper, herbs, spices, onions, garlic, and salt. Wat is traditionally placed on injera and served in a mesob (large basket tray). No utensils are used--we use our fingers to tear off pieces of injera to scoop up the wat.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians observe fasting days on Wednesdays and Fridays, abstaining from meat and dairy products, except during specific periods like the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. On fasting days, they consume vegetarian meals such as lentils, split peas, grains, fruits, and vegetable stews. Meat and dairy are reserved for feasting days like Christmas, Epiphany, and Easter. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians, Jews, and Muslims refrain from eating pork due to religious prohibitions.