Cultural Responses to Lightening: The Case of Maccaa Oromo

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