Here i am outside of my birth country, far away from family, friends, neighbors, and from the loved ones waiting the Ethiopian New Year for the 6th times. I always feel two things in one body in every September. Of-course the first is missing the childhood life and the traditional celebration of Ethiopian New year with family and friends. That is, drowning a flower on a piece of paper and giving to each and every family or individual in the neighborhood, wishing them a HAPPY NEW YEAR. This feeling is always Ineffable to express it. The happiness that comes from getting a new cloth for the new year, the happiness that comes from receiving a precious gift from family and from the loved ones make there is nothing that will take this kind of life away from me. The reason is that, it is always the New Year that gives happines for individuals who have difficult situations in their life and makes it easier, because they feel hopeful; even if they don't have anything. It is the New Year for those people who are in full of hate and evil mind to be changed to good thinking and forgiveness. So, Yes! Ethiopian New Year is a new year for each and every Ethiopian Citizen to exchange Love and Hope.
So, what exactly feels like "celebrating" the New Year in different country, in a country that is completely different in maney ways? Of-course, it feels different...it feels incomplete; because of the fact that our Ethiopian New year is not their new year. The reason is that, we have differences in maney ways, language, culture, believe, life experience etc. However, Even if we have that differences, i personally handled and delivered it a good manner so that it can fit and create perfection. That good manner is LOVE for all human being regardless of their Race,Gender, Age and National Origin.
However, there is always one thing that doesn't complete the Ethiopian New Year. That is, Ethiopian New Year is on SEPTEMBER 11, which makes you to have double face. On one side, you have this bright white vision of your future life, and on the other side you have that sadness, fear, tearfull face, that makes you remember the 3000 people who lost their life.
SEPTEMBER 11 always reminds me of my mother crying out laud by the crisis that was happened across atlantic in USA. We were celebrating the National Ethiopian New Year Holiday in Ethiopia. All of a sudden the Ethiopian Media (TV and Radio) changed the New Year live broadcast and delivered the the very sad live BREAKING NEWS for Each and every Ethiopians so that they can pray and remember for the people who desperately in need of help and hope who were on those twin towers. 9-11 reminds me of my father mentioning the crisis and murder may create a long term war that possibly last for 15 to 20 years between the Arab world and and other Nations. It reminds me of my brothers and sisters who were having a good time and all of a sudden sitting on the ground and watching my mom crying and praying for everyone.
So, as an Ethiopian Born and American Citizen individual, how can i celebrate the Ethiopian New Year in America? This will be a question for all Ethiopians who live in this country and experience the same situation. I know one thing, remembering the 3000 people who lost their life while remembering my childhood hope will deliver my love to those inividuals. However, when i remember my child hood hope, i allways pray for those who lost their life being in God's hand. I pray and deliver my childhood HOPE to those family who lost their friends, family, and loved ones so that they can feel better.
At last, i say May the Lord forgive our sines and give us Love and Compassion for each one of us. Amen!!
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