Waaqeffanna

Waaqeffanna is an ethnic religion indigenous to the Oromo people in the Horn of Africa. Waaqeffanna, derived from the word Waaqa, is the ancient name of the Creator in the Cushitic languages of both Oromo and Somali people in the Horn of Africa. The followers of the Waaqeffanna religion are called Waaqeffataa and believe in the supreme being Waaqa Tokkicha (the one God). The Creator of the universe has many manifestations known as Ayyaana which serve as intermediary spirits between Waaqa and his creation. The Ayyaana can possess chosen men and women, who are then given the title Qallu (males) and Qallitti (females). All Uuma, or creatures, are believed to be assigned an Ayyaana by Waaqa for guidance and protection. Waaqeffataas live according to Safuu, the moral and legal principles that guide interactions between humans and Waaqa. Breach of Safuu is regarded as sin and is condemned by the Creator. The Ayyaana are not capable of creation, but provide a way of communicating with Waaqa. The Qaalluu, (which translates as pure, holy, sacred, blameless, or black), or college of possessed persons, is an important institution in the Oromo religious and social system that preserves and protects Oromo culture and tradition. The Qaalluu/Qaallitti serve as high ranked priests, ritual leaders, and guardians of the laws of Waaqa. They live and perform ritual activities (dalalga) in a traditional Oromo hall, the Galma. The Qaalluu are expected to remain politically neutral and serve as a source of unbiased deliberation. Priests are obliged to condemn tyranny and to uphold the democratic Gadaa system of the Oromo. The Qaalluu/Qaalliti have the freedom to grant or withhold blessings to the Gadaa leadership as they see fit.