Abstract

This paper tries to reveal Tajoo ritual, which is performed annually in Arfaasaa (spring) as a New Year celebration by Waayyuu Oromo of Arsii. The data for this study were collected through participant observation, interview, focus group discussion and secondary sources. As revealed by the study, Tajoo is a ritual celebrated commonly by the whole community of Waayyuu Oromo on Hinikkaa (the first day of Oromo calendar). Passing through different steps the ritual is concluded by sacrificial activities for Waaqaa (approximately God in English) and prayer to Him for peace, fertility and prosperity and declaration of   Tajoo law. The findings of this paper indicate that Tajoo ritual has real significance in intercommunity peace-building and sustaining social solidarity, integration and re-integration. Therefore, using this indigenous institution as input is vital in future policy formulations in the country as peace issues are central to the realization of sustainable development.

Key words: Tajoo ritual, peacemaking, Arsii Oromo, indigenous, symbolism.