Introduction

Ashenda is a women’s cultural ceremony celebrated in northern Ethiopia.it is also called “Shadey,” “Ashendye,” “Solel,” and “ayniwari” in different parts of the northern Ethiopia.it is thousands of years old .

Ashenda has been celebrated during the era of Axum civilization even before the 4th century AD before Christianity was introduced into Ethiopia.

Meaning and celebration
Ashenda is a name of a tall grass that the girls wear around their waists above the traditional clothes called Chefon, Zurya, Jedid and Tlfi. They do their hair in different styles: Game, Alwaso etc. these hairstyles have meaning about the women’s marital status. They wear unique traditional jewelry called Gobagub, Hnko, Dri and Hrkmo. After they finish dressing up they start to form groups with their friends, family and neighbors. They sing and dance using Kebero as a traditional musical instrument. Many people attracted by the beauty of Ashenda girl, dressings, music and dance can’t just pass them. They gave money and mothers gave Hmbasha (bread) as a reward. Some even promise to do something for them for the next year.

Ashenda days and its spirit
The Ashenda girls sing thank you songs for the one who reward’s them and sarcastically funny for those who are not willing to give them. The celebration starts from August 16 and goes on for about two weeks in different parts of Ethiopia. The celebration where hundreds of thousands women come together has been taking place in Mekelle the capital of Tigray.it is for all women from the newborn girl to the eldest. Young women especially teenagers wait eagerly for this day.The day to uplift the moral and energy of every woman and girl.

Ashenda and Woman’s right
The world might think the idea of reminding everyone at least once a year of the necessity of women’s freedom and rights came from the westerners. The truth is here in Africa northern Ethiopia is an ancient history. They celebrate it not by telling everyone how to treat the Ashenda girl because everyone already knows it. They try to protect them from any harm in order for the celebration to be memorable.no one is allowed to tell the Ashenda women what to do. Men aren’t allowed to join them except under the age of 7 dressed traditionally acting as a bodyguard for the women adding beauty to it.

Conclusion
There is Tigrayan’s saying “don’t get engaged fooled by the beauty of ashenda girl” telling us how pretty and elegant Ashenda girl is.Ashenda a day for every woman by every woman .Ashenda the ancient women’s days in Africa, Ethiopia.