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Belay Sitotaw Goshu
Department of Physics, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

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Auroras: A Harmonious Blend of Natural Science and Human Culture Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 5 No 3 (2024): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, September
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v5i3.1197

Abstract

Since ancient times, auroras have fascinated science and religion because of their amazing natural displays in Earth's upper atmosphere. With an emphasis on the recombination and diffusion of ions during auroral events, this study investigates the ionospheric processes in the E-region and syndicates the results with spiritual and cultural interpretations. The study sought to understand the scientific and spiritual significance of these processes by examining changes in ion concentrations with altitude and time. Through analytical and numerical simulations, the study found that during the day, A+ ion recombination is more active between 80 and 120 km altitude, with diffusion from 1e6 to 2.4 × 105 cm-3. Recombination rates for A+ ions rise at night, but those for B atoms drop, especially in the region between 100 and 120 kilometers above sea level. These findings are important for comprehending how space weather affects navigation and communication systems. Spiritually speaking, auroras are said to be cosmic occurrences that represent heavenly messages or ancestors' souls. The amalgamation of scientific analysis and cultural narratives yields a more comprehensive and multifaceted comprehension of auroral events. The study concludes that integrating spiritual viewpoints with scientific investigation improves our understanding of natural occurrences. To preserve indigenous tribes' perceptions of auroras, recommendations include fostering interdisciplinary research, introducing cultural narratives into educational initiatives, and interacting with them.
Ancient Ethiopian Astronomy: Cultural Foundations, Indigenous Timekeeping, and Scientific Contributions Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 5 No 4 (2024): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, December
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v5i4.1264

Abstract

Ethiopia has a rich astronomical heritage rooted in its indigenous timekeeping systems, religious traditions, and architectural alignments. Ancient Ethiopian civilizations, including the Axumite Kingdom and the Borena Oromo, developed sophisticated methods to observe celestial bodies for agricultural, ritualistic, and governance purposes. However, these traditions remain underexplored in academic discourse. This study investigates Ethiopia’s cultural foundations in astronomy, examining the Axumite stelae alignments, the Borena calendar, and the astronomical significance of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. It also compares Ethiopian astronomical knowledge with Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greco-Roman systems to evaluate its uniqueness and scientific contributions. Archaeo-astronomical analysis, ethnographic interviews, and observational research were all used in a mixed-methods approach. Stellarium and NASA's SkyView software were employed to examine the Axumite and Lalibela structures, verifying their celestial alignments. In addition to literary surveys of historical books and religious manuscripts, interviews with elders, religious experts, and Borena timekeepers were conducted to study traditional timekeeping. Findings confirm that Axumite monuments exhibit solstitial and equinoctial orientations, suggesting astronomical intent. The Borena calendar was validated as a precise lunar-stellar system, demonstrating advanced celestial knowledge. Lalibela’s churches show possible astronomical alignments, reinforcing the integration of astronomy into Ethiopian religious practices. Comparisons with other ancient civilizations highlight Ethiopia’s distinctive yet interconnected astronomical legacy. Conclusion: Ethiopia’s astronomical heritage is scientifically significant yet underdocumented. The decline in traditional knowledge transmission threatens its preservation. The preservation of indigenous astronomical practices, their incorporation into the curriculum, and the encouragement of cultural tourism should be the top priorities of future study to safeguard Ethiopia's contributions to international astronomy.
Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation: Leveraging Ethiopia’s Cultural and Religious Values with Science and Technology for Peace and Sustainable Development Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 5 No 4 (2024): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, December
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v5i4.1265

Abstract

Ethiopia, a nation with a rich cultural and religious heritage, faces significant challenges in achieving peace and sustainable development amidst ethnic tensions, resource scarcity, and rapid modernization. This study explores the potential of integrating Ethiopia’s cultural and religious values with science and technology to foster peace and development. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), surveys, and document analysis, to gather data from the Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). Findings reveal that traditional systems like the Gadaa and Shimgilina are highly effective in promoting peace but are often undermined by political interference and marginalization. Participants expressed openness to integrating science and technology with cultural values, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and education, but emphasized the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Challenges such as the digital divide, generational gaps, and concerns about cultural erosion were identified. The study concludes that leveraging Ethiopia’s cultural and religious institutions, combined with innovative technologies, offers a unique pathway to peace and development. Recommendations include empowering traditional leaders, bridging the digital divide, and fostering youth engagement through education and digital platforms. Policymakers are urged to adopt inclusive and culturally sensitive strategies that respect Ethiopia’s heritage while embracing modernization. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development by highlighting the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovations in conflict-affected regions.
Sacred Iron and Celestial Birth: The Science, Culture, and Spirituality of Iron in Childbirth Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 5 No 4 (2024): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, December
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v5i4.1266

Abstract

This study explores the practice of placing iron objects near women during labor, examining its cultural, religious, and symbolic significance, along with potential scientific explanations. While the practice persists in various regions, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The study aims to investigate whether this practice has any scientific basis, its connection to spiritual beliefs, and its role in these rituals. A combination of qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, a review of papers, and relevant religious texts, was employed. Data were analyzed thematically, and comparisons were drawn across African, European, Latin American, Asian, and Chinese traditions. Findings suggest that the use of iron is often linked to beliefs in its protective qualities, symbolizing strength and divine assistance. Iron's capacity to protect mother and child from spiritual harm or outside threats is emphasized in cultural and religious contexts. The study found psychological processes, stress reduction, and placebo effects could support the ongoing practice of putting iron items close to women who are in labor. In conclusion, the activity has psychological and symbolic significance in addition to its strong traditional roots. It is advised that more research be done to determine the precise function of these customs and any possible medical advantages in delivery environments. Future studies should try to connect contemporary medical knowledge with cultural customs to offer a thorough comprehension of these rites.
Mystical Astronomy in Ethiopian Orthodoxy: Monastic Insights into the Cosmos and Divine Order Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 6 No 1 (2025): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, March
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v6i1.1279

Abstract

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The Role of Ge'ez in Shaping Ethiopian Intellectual Traditions: Contributions to Science, Medicine, Astronomy, Religion, Culture, and Mathematical Thought Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 6 No 3 (2025): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, September
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v6i3.1394

Abstract

Ge'ez, one of the world’s oldest written languages, has shaped Ethiopia’s intellectual heritage since the Aksumite Kingdom, serving as the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and a medium for preserving knowledge across disciplines (Ullendorff, 1968). This study investigates Ge'ez’s contributions to science, traditional medicine, astronomy, religion, culture, and mathematical thought, emphasizing its role in Ethiopia’s development. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on 65 Ge'ez manuscripts from the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and digitized collections, supplemented by 12 semi-structured interviews with clergy and scholars. Thematic analysis identified Ge'ez’s impact across disciplines. Ge'ez preserved philosophical treatises, medical remedies, astronomical calculations, and religious texts, including the unique Ge'ez Bible. It facilitated cultural preservation through illuminated manuscripts and supported practical mathematics. Challenges included limited manuscript access and translation barriers. Ge'ez was instrumental in sustaining Ethiopia’s intellectual and cultural traditions, particularly within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, positioning it as a vital component of African scholarship. Establish Ge'ez research centers, digitize manuscripts, integrate Ge'ez into curricula, and promote its global recognition through UNESCO and cultural programs.
Integrating Ethiopian Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge with Modern Astrophysics: A Framework for Cultural Preservation and Scientific Discovery Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 6 No 4 (2025): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, December
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v6i4.1434

Abstract

Ethiopia’s rich ethnoastronomical heritage, particularly the Borana Oromo lunar-stellar calendar and similar systems among Amhara, Tigray, Afar, Somali, Konso, and other groups, integrates celestial observation with seasonal forecasting, pastoral mobility, ritual timing, and social organization (Gadaa cycles). These knowledge systems face accelerating threats from elder attrition, urbanization, modernization, and climate variability. Purpose: This study maps the contemporary distribution, linguistic and narrative structure, scientific validity, educational integration potential, and citizen-science documentation pathways of Ethiopian Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge (EIAK), aiming to provide evidence-based strategies for preservation and application. A mixed-methods design combined quantitative visualization (distribution maps, correlation matrices, time-series validation against modern meteorological records), qualitative semantic and narrative analysis, competency assessment in educational pilots, and participatory citizen-science metrics. Novelty: The work offers the first comprehensive synthesis integrating multi-ethnic holder distributions, narrative keyword networks, rigorous predictive validation (r = 0.889 for rain onset, RMSE = 3.3 days), culturally responsive STEM curriculum frameworks, and scalable citizen-science models for an African indigenous astronomy system. Findings: Knowledge is concentrated in Oromia, SNNPR, and Amhara; oral transmission dominates (64.3%); narratives emphasize time, weather, and navigation; predictive skill is high for rain onset and seasonal transitions; low-cost educational models (Community Elder, Cultural Exchange) achieve highest adoption and competency gains; citizen-science programs engaged >18,000 participants with strong sustainability in community-led formats. EIAK is a scientifically valid, adaptive knowledge system with proven forecasting utility and significant educational value, yet urgently requires safeguarding. Recommendations: Prioritize multi-ethnic documentation, large-scale validation, equitable educational scaling, sustainable citizen science, and policy integration.
The Spiritual Implications of Wheat in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: A Study of Scripture, Liturgy, and Tradition Muhammad Ridwan; Belay Sitotaw Goshu
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 6 No 4 (2025): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, December
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

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Abstract

Abstract: The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) possesses a rich theological tradition in which material elements serve as vehicles for spiritual truth. Among these, wheat occupies a distinctive place, appearing throughout Scripture, liturgy, and living tradition. Yet the full spiritual implications of wheat within this tradition have received limited scholarly attention. Purpose: This study investigates the spiritual implications of wheat in the EOTC, examining its significance across three interconnected dimensions: scriptural revelation, liturgical enactment, and living tradition. The research aims to articulate how wheat functions as a multivalent symbol of divine provision, ethical responsibility, and eschatological hope. Methods: The study employs a qualitative approach combining biblical exegesis of Ge'ez texts (including the broader Ethiopian canon) with liturgical theology and analysis of traditional practices. Primary sources include the Book of Enoch (1 Enoch), the Book of Jubilees, and documented liturgical practices, particularly the preparation and distribution of Nifro (boiled wheat) at funerals and memorial services. Findings: The investigation reveals that wheat in the EOTC functions as a threefold symbol. First, scripturally, it signifies God's covenantal provision (Deuteronomy 8:8) and becomes a test of righteousness through the warning against consuming the "finest of the wheat" while neglecting the poor (1 Enoch 36:26). Second, liturgically, Nifro enacts the theology of death and resurrection, transforming hard kernels into life-giving food that proclaims the hope of the General Resurrection (John 12:24). Third, traditionally, wheat connects the faithful to the covenant symbolized by the Tabot and anticipates the Heavenly Banquet. Conclusion: Wheat in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition embodies a theology that is simultaneously scriptural, ethical, and liturgical, a theology that can be seen, tasted, and shared. The grain encapsulates the Gospel message: death yields to greater life. Recommendation: Further research is recommended on the comparative study of Nifro with other Orthodox memorial traditions (koliva) and on the role of wheat in contemporary Ethiopian Orthodox diaspora communities.
Ancient Ethiopian Cosmology: Indigenous Star Lore, Sacred Astronomy, and Celestial Influences on Culture Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, March
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

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Abstract

Ethiopia possesses a rich and diverse legacy of scientific achievements, yet its contributions to early global science remain underrepresented in scholarly narratives. This study examines Ethiopia's historical role in advancing early scientific thought, focusing on astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and engineering. The objective of this study was to investigate Ethiopia's early scientific contributions in these fields, assess their influence on global knowledge and the extent of their marginalization in contemporary academic discourse, and propose strategies for greater recognition and integration into the global history of science. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative historical text analysis, interpretation of archaeological evidence, and semi-structured interviews with Ethiopian scholars and historians (Bernard, (2017). These methods were selected for their aptness in addressing the multifaceted nature of historical inquiry: textual analysis and archaeological interpretation provided direct evidence of ancient practices, while interviews offered contemporary expert insights into cultural continuity and scholarly gaps. Quantitative statistical analysis was additionally applied to compare the significance and scope of Ethiopia's contributions with those of other ancient civilizations (e.g., through metrics such as documented innovations and chronological parallels), thereby validating qualitative findings with empirical rigor. Results revealed substantial Ethiopian advancements, including sophisticated astronomical knowledge embodied in the Ge'ez calendar, extensive ethnobotanical expertise in medicine with numerous indigenous plants identified for therapeutic uses, and remarkable engineering feats exemplified by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, which influenced durable construction techniques. However, these contributions have been systematically marginalized in global scientific histories. In conclusion, reclaiming Ethiopia's intellectual heritage is essential for a more inclusive and accurate narrative of scientific development. Recommendations include digitizing ancient Ethiopian scientific manuscripts, incorporating these achievements into international curricula, promoting collaborative research initiatives, and enhancing public awareness campaigns.
The Hidden Symbolism of Doro Wet: Cultural, Spiritual, and Historical Significance in Ethiopian Christian Tradition Belay Sitotaw Goshu; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, March
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

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Abstract

Doro Wet, Ethiopia’s spicy chicken stew, is central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian culture, yet its spiritual and historical symbolism remains underexplored. This study investigates the dish’s biblical, communal, and regional meanings, drawing on a stratified ethnographic sample of 250 Orthodox Christians (125 male, 125 female; six age groups) across five cities (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Adama, Bahir Dar, Debre Berhan). Data from semi‑structured interviews, participant observation during feasts, and textual analysis of the Kebra Nagast were analysed thematically. Findings confirm that the twelve chicken pieces symbolise the apostles or tribes of Israel (94.8%), eggs represent resurrection (100%), berbere signifies spiritual zeal (91.2%), and injera embodies the Bread of Life (100%). The dish fosters communal bonding through gursha (98.4%) and devotional preparation (91.6%). Eastern Ethiopia shows no substantive variation in core symbolism; minor adaptations (sorghum injera, added spices) are pragmatic. However, significant generational erosion emerged: participants aged 20–30 retain ancestral narratives at half the rate of those over 45 (41% vs. 98%). A sceptical minority (11.6%) predominantly urban, educated youth question literal Solomonic historicity while still practising rituals. Doro Wet is a profound symbol of Ethiopia’s Christian identity, but its meanings are negotiated across generations. The study recommends urgent documentation of oral traditions, intergenerational kitchen workshops, diaspora research, and culturally sensitive culinary tourism to safeguard this intangible heritage. This research enriches understanding of food as a living theological artefact in African Christianity.
Co-Authors Arifulhak Aceh Bikila Merga Deresa Duol Dak Maluel Kassahun Desealegn Asfaw Melaku Masresha Woldeamanueal Muhammad Ridwan Muhammad Ridwan Nigussie Mamushet Degeif Ramlan Solomon Zerihun