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The Oromo people are homogeneous group having their own heterogeneity. They are one of the ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Oromo speak Oromo language which serves as a bridge of communication between different clans, sub clans, lineages and families. Oromo culture could be affirmed in various ways. Their dances are performed through special movements of their neck and both legs. While singing or dancing they wear customary costumes that are to a limited extent different from one zonal section to another. In one way or another, their color preference is similar. Black color is the symbol and most respected one. Then red is the second while white is not as preferred as the other two. Majority of the Oromo are pastoralists who raise cattle and live on it. They drink milk and raise children feeding milks of cattle, goat or camel. Oromo culture and customary ways of life are stronger in the pastoral areas than others. In the old days home processed and buttered skins of cattle were used as special costume for daily wear and ceremonial purpose. Among the Oromo forefathers semi processed skins were serving as both seat and bed sheet as well. The Oromo perform almost all of their ritual ceremonies at the lake side. The say water is the source of every living being. Whenever praying they say in the name of Waqa who created the lake and expanded the sky. They give due regard to land and water because unless these two exist, lives of they themselves and their cattle would be endangered. Besides banks of rivers, they use extreme tips of the hills and its surroundings as unique areas for traditional dance. Either lake sides or hill tops are more preferred if there is Odaa (a huge sycamore tree) at the center. Every ritual including the Gada is all the time performed under this sacred tree. Today, in addition to animal husbandry, due to the strong relationships and cultural contacts they have with their neighbors the Oromo depend on mixed agriculture and nomadic farming. In addition, the Muslim Oromo are now days involved in trade and some business activities.
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