Who are the Chashah People? Where do they Derive? (Horn of Africa)

History of Chashah The Chashah are an ancient tribal people deriving from the lineage of Shem of the Chu'kai (Bible). Our history can be traced back thousands of years to the Lake Tana region of Ethiopia, which was originally named Lake Tsana, where our ancestors migrated and established monasteries to worship ያሁአ, the mighty one of Abraham, Yitschaq, and Ya'aqob.

The Chashah migrated to flee persecution in Ethiopia back in the 1950's to live in the United States, many to Washington, DC. Upon arriving, they immediately assimilated to Western culture to mask their identity. Today, a younger generation, with the determination to preserve Chashah cultural existence, has emerged. This inception of preservation derived from a prophecy established by a host of Prophets in the year 2000 that there will be a Prophet to emerge among the Chashah to lead them back to ያሁአ. Though the Chashah dwell in America today, and the previous generations assembled to Western dynamics, the current generation aspire to uphold the laws and statutes of the Chu'kai (Bible). ያሁአ has made a resolution to safeguard his people when they adhere to his guidelines, refraining from following alternate deities, abstaining from idol worship, and refraining from worshiping material possessions.

CHASHAH WAY OF LIFE

Chashah everyday life customs are governed by ethereal laws from the sacred text called the Chu'kai (Bible). They lead a life of servitude to ያሁአ, through separation from worldly affairs as the cornerstone of their way of life. The Chashah are compassionate people aligning with the mandate of caring for and serving the poor, orphaned, and widowed.

Traditionally, in Northern Ethiopia, the Chashah resided in shared villages and are considered excellent farmers, growing and storing the majority of their food. Chashah men were known for their skilled craftsmanship. Chashah women created custom-made art, pottery, weaving and other essentials. Both are part of the long Chashah tradition, community, industry, and craft. Today, through innovative initiatives, Chashah are now leveraging data communications and cyber technology.

​WOMEN'S HEAD COVERINGS The head coverings worn by Chashah women, known as Tsana (Zah-nah), take their name from the region of Lake Tana, formerly called Lake Tsana. The term "Tsana" means "large covering," reflecting the fact that Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia. This significant covering symbolizes modesty among Chashah women and is not connected to the Muslim faith or derived from Muslim traditions. Tsana symbolizes a daily traditional obligation to dressing modestly as a personal pledge to ያሁአ. This commitment applies equally to married Chashah women, as it is a way of honoring their husbands through modesty. Unmarried Chashah women also embrace the same pledge to honor ያሁአ in their daily attire. Chashah women and girls wear long full dresses and typically do not cut their hair, which is worn naturally. There are no bands of jewelry worn at any time. The Chashah attire replicates that of our ancient nomadic ancestors, which reflects respect for tradition, and serves as representation of modesty, and humility.

​CHASHAH MEN'S ATTIRE Chashah men wear long sleeved attire (mostly cotton) that extend down to their knees, and they also wear one piece garments extending down to their feet. It is cultural to cover the groin area of Chashah men. The Chashah grow beards for the transformation of youth to men.

MUSIC Chashah Music stems from drums, congas, and mainstream keyboards, but the leading instrument of Chashah music is the 4 to 6 stringed Krar. It’s the paramount device that creates the distinct sound deriving from the Horn of Africa.

GREETINGS

The Chashah people maintain their cultural practices, which include not shaking hands to greet or solidify a business union. This is different from American culture, where shaking hands is a common practice. In America, if a man doesn't shake hands with another, it is often seen as disrespectful or insulting. To address this cultural difference, the Chashah have a custom of speaking a disclaimer when someone extends their hands, stating, "In our culture, we do not shake hands." The person then acknowledges with understanding that it is part of their cultural norms. Instead of shaking hands, the Chashah simply bow their heads at eye level with their eyes open when interacting with others.

​WORSHIP & CELEBRATIONS The Chashah people do not celebrate American traditions or any worldly holidays, only their annual Feast Days are recognized. Weekly Shababi (Qedami) services led by the Chief Qess are spoken in Ge'ez. Shababi services are held in the monastery or tent of meetings ending service with fellowship of vegan entrees. Formal ceremonial observance of the Modimi are celebrated at the turn of the seasons annually. The Modimi are a time of celebration for Chashah people to give thanks and are celebrated with feasting, dancing, and singing.

ETHEREAL ASPECTS

Chashah purification practices, weekly fasting and daily collaborative prayer are a part of standard worship regimens. The Chashah community strictly adhere to ancient laws of ያሁኣ and do not assimilate to idolatrous religious worship.

LEGAL

The Chashah agree before two witnesses to serve ያሁኣ to signify when they are admitted as formal acceptance into the community. Contractual dissolution is the way in which the community leaders deal with uncooperative members.

​CHASHAH FOOD The Chashah people places great importance on their cultural heritage and dietary practices. Embracing an Alkaline Vegan lifestyle, the Chashah people follow the principles of a diet that excludes meat consumption.

What sets the Chashah people apart is their commitment to following the clean and unclean dietary laws outlined in the Chu'kai (Old Testament). These laws dictate specific guidelines for food preparation and consumption, ensuring that their meals align with their religious and cultural beliefs.

In order to maintain a strong connection to their culinary cultural roots, the Chashah people infuse traditional Ethiopian dishes and unfermented injera into their alkaline vegan cuisine.

​CHASHAH LANGUAGES The official language for the Chashah community is Amharic and the second language is English. The Qess speak Ge'ez for all Shababi services.​

Contact us: monastery@chashah.fyi | www.chashah.org