Abstract:
The paper investigated the cultural response of Oromo of East Africa to lightning and the
socio-cultural factors affecting their performance. The paper examined and described
different rituals and taboos in the study area and strategies used by the communities to
minimize risk that caused by lightining. There are different spiritual and physical
responses performed during and after lightining. These responses are full of different
types of cultural rituals and taboo. Grieves and sorrows are expressed with more
acceptable taboo words such as using euphemisms and metaphoric expressions. The
paper also argues that, these processes are conditioned by the cultural and religious
norms of the society. Each and every activity is directed by spiritual leaders and
community elders. Explanation for why ritual is important and certain words and
activities are considered taboos in the society and why certain taboo is accompanied by
particular cultural rituals are presented. The ritual participants and types of sacrifice are
also mentioned in this paper. During the ritual different community members are
assigned as main actors. The roles of actors in performance ritual are mentioned. At the
end the paper discussed about the changes and continuities observed regarding the ritual
and its process or Araara Waaqaa
