Fachi'e and deraro: traditional epitomizes of confession and prosperity among the gedeo people of southern Ethiopia

The Gedeo, one of the enset-culture peoples of Southern Ethiopia, have their own traditional religious system that has different practices such as culturally enriched annual ceremonies and life time events. This study signals two major practices of the tradition, Fachi'e and Deraro. Filed work, interview and text review were used to collect data which are explained qualitatively. The Gedeo believe in Megeno, One Supreme God. Their religion is traditional in its practice, indigenous in its origin, and strongly linked with the natural environment. It has no written base and known associate founder. Fachi'e and Deraro are the major epitomized cultural festivities of the people. The former is related with a period of atonement that involves praying to Megeno to get protection of the people from epidemic disease and of their properties from natural disaster. Accompanied by the ceremony of purity performed around sacred rivers by the Woyyu, it is a sign of confession and source of ethics for the people and base for the long coexistence among themselves and with their neighbors. Deraro, on the other hand, is a period of happiness and good wish of prosperity and new-year to the people. Following coffee harvesting, various people gather at Michille Grissa to eventfully celebrate it. This thanksgiving festivity is another good platform to excel harmonious relationship among the people. Recognizing such icons of the people has immense contributions such as tourism development, harmonious relationship and environmental protection.