The traditional Ethiopian holiday of Buhe marks the clearing of winter mist and clouds, revealing a glimmer of light and brightening the sky in a major cultural and religious celebration that bridges past generations with the present. According to the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the holiday holds a profound spiritual mystery, commemorating when Jesus Christ ascended Mount Tabor with His disciples to reveal His divine glory and light. Scholars and elders often describe the season metaphorically, noting that once Buhe passes, winter ends, and once the rooster crows, night is gone—signifying the end of the rainy season and the arrival of approaching light.
The celebration is traditionally highlighted by the cracking of whips, the rhythmic performance of Hoya Hoye songs and dances, and the sharing of Mulmul bread. Throughout the season, youths spend their days plaiting and cracking whips as an expression of joy, recalling the divine thunder and flash of lightning that accompanied the revelation of light on Mount Tabor. The Hoya Hoye dance adds another layer of festivity, with groups going door-to-door to deliver joyful tidings. Meanwhile, mothers uphold enduring traditions of sharing, love, and blessing by distributing specially baked Mulmul bread to children.
Just as the sound of children's whips echoes from all directions during the Buhe season, Ethiopia's ongoing national push for development and growth resonates loudly today. Milestones such as the construction and power-generation success of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, ongoing efforts to secure access to the sea, agricultural prosperity initiatives, and the Green Legacy program stand as manifestations of the nation's new light of hope. The torch lit on the eve of the holiday serves as a forward-looking symbol, heralding the passing of winter's darkness and signaling tomorrow's bright Ethiopia.
Today's youth celebrate Buhe not only through traditional games and festivities, but also by committing to a future built on technology, productivity, food security, and the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" initiative. Standing together, children continue to chant "May blessing enter this house," expressing a shared vision for national growth, prosperity, and unity.
