”The Magic beyond Ritual” - Exploring Raaba Ritual and Ritualization among Arsi Oromos of Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this (mega) research project is to investigate the Raabaa Ritual
and ritualization, one of the indigenous beliefs and Gada system practices in Oromo
culture, among the Arsi Oromo. The Raabaa ritual is indigenous ritual practices which
exercised by Arsi Oromo according to their Baalli. To this end, the researchers observed
the ritual sites where the Raabaa ritual takes place. Besides, an interview with 13 key
informants and 5 FGDs were conducted to collect wider data on the subject matter.
Methodological the researchers’ were employee qualitative approach. The study found
out that the Raabaa is being popular in the study area due to various reasons like: firstly,
the practicing and living under the shade of Gadaa and belief in the ritual manifestation.
The Arsi Oromo are believed to have possessed supernatural powers of empowering and
performing various ritual rites to full fill necessary criteria’s while passing in the Gadaa
system. Secondly, the belief that taking part in ritual ceremonies at all ritual sites of
Raabaa is one method of getting relief from these worldly problems such as physical and
psychological disordered and to have blessing life. The practices at the Raabaa ritual site
also prove the tolerance that exists among some adherents of different religious, Baallis,
hookaa and political backgrounds in the study area. According to our finding Raabaa
ritual is used to increase awareness of the values of tolerance and understanding. The
involvement of the local people, awareness levitation through community serves or
education on ritual and ritualization of Raabaa, the practice of ritual and its sites
protected areas should be encouraged to sustain and keep the practice.