Religion and Aesthetics

- Religion and Aesthetics

                1.  Religious belief systems (majority/minority)

The major religions are Christianity (Ethiopian Orthodox Church), and Islam. Most Ethiopian believes in Christian and the majority Christians are Orthodox Tewahedo Christians. There are only a few Ethiopians believes in Roman Catholic. Ethiopia became to a powerful Christian kingdom right up to the fifteenth century. Islam spread to Ethiopia around 615 AD. Islam developed in Ethiopia in the 7th Century, and one-third population is considered as Muslim today.

                2.  Community interactions

In the northern part of the country of Ethiopia, some communities are providing tourism events. Ethiopians are all very hospitality and Ethiopian communities work together to attract tourists in country in order to further develop their tourism.

                3.  Relevant aesthetic considerations

        - Living Conditions (similar to next section housing?)

                1.  Food/Diet/Nutrition habits

The Ethiopian diet is composed of cereals (taf, corn, maize, sorghum), tubers and root crops, and oil seeds. The food of animal supply is very limited and the consumption of animal products is low in rural areas. There is ample supply of beef and lamb, however Ethiopians do not usually eat pork. All meat must be cooked thoroughly in order to prevent any infections. Some grocery stores offer fresh milk, but it should be boiled before use. Canned and powdered milk is sold in stores too. Food can be graded as dangerous for certain individuals in certain situations. If a child develops any kind of discomfort when being served by any food, it is considered that the food brought the illness.

Some foods are endowed with special prestige. In addition, since the dietary product is limited, the breastfeeding is widespread. Ethiopia has high incidence of infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies, and low access to improved water sources. The food supply cannot meet the demand in Ethiopia. For instance, many people died from the lack of crops.

                2.  Housing (aggregate/family)

        Except the urban centers and Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, most houses are built of mud or mortar with tin roofs in Ethiopia. In rural areas, traditional thatched hut is still the most common dwelling. Most of houses were constructed by wood and mud. The limited housing resources and overcrowding are still major concerns as of 2000. Homelessness is also a big problem in urban areas. It has been estimated that 80% of the residents in Addis Ababa are homeless. Housing in other parts of Ethiopia is usually in poorer conditions too.

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