What Calendar Does Ethiopia Use?

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what calendar Ethiopia uses? Well, you are not alone. Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world that uses a different calendar system. In this article, we will explore the Ethiopian calendar and its significance.

The Ethiopian Calendar

The Ethiopian calendar is also known as the Ge’ez calendar. It has a different year count and a different way of calculating leap years than the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world.

The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months in a year, with 12 months of 30 days and one month of 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year or not. The first month is called Meskerem, which falls on September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar.

Question: Why does Ethiopia use a different calendar?

The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which was created by Egyptian astronomers in the 4th century. Ethiopia adopted this calendar system when it became a Christian nation in the 4th century, and it has been in use ever since.

The Importance of the Ethiopian Calendar

The Ethiopian calendar plays an important role in the country’s culture and religion. It is used to determine the dates of holidays and festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, as well as other significant events, such as weddings and funerals.

The calendar also has a strong association with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which is the largest Christian denomination in the country. The church uses the calendar to determine the dates of its religious observances and to calculate the dates of important events in the lives of its members.

Question: How does the Ethiopian calendar affect daily life in Ethiopia?

The Ethiopian calendar is deeply ingrained in the country’s culture and daily life. It is used to determine the dates of national holidays and festivals, as well as the dates of personal events, such as birthdays and anniversaries. It also has a significant impact on the agricultural cycle, as farmers use the calendar to determine the timing of planting and harvesting crops.

The Ethiopian New Year

The Ethiopian New Year is called Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. It falls on September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar, depending on whether it is a leap year or not, and marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.

Enkutatash is a time of celebration and renewal, and it is celebrated with feasting, dancing, and singing. It is also a time for giving gifts to family and friends, as well as to the less fortunate.

Question: How is Enkutatash celebrated in Ethiopia?

Enkutatash is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Ethiopia. People dress in traditional clothing and gather with family and friends to share a meal and exchange gifts. There are also parades, music, and dancing in the streets, and many people attend church services to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to ask for a good harvest in the coming year.

The Bottom Line

The Ethiopian calendar is unique and significant in the country’s culture and religion. It is important to understand its history and significance in order to appreciate the rich and diverse culture of Ethiopia.

Whether you are planning a trip to Ethiopia or simply curious about the world around you, the Ethiopian calendar is a fascinating topic to explore. We hope this article has given you some insights into this important aspect of Ethiopian culture.