14/09/2016
Happy Ethiopian New Year እንቁጣጣሽ - መልካም
አዲስ አመት።
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Ethiopia is celebrating the coming of 2009. New
Year in Ethiopia is Called ‘Enkutatash’(እንቁጣጣሽ)
and celebrated on ‘Meskerem 1st’ (መስከረም ፩) in
the Ethiopian Calendar or September 11th of the
Gregorian calendar. Ethiopia has a different
calendar which goes back to thousands of years
based on the older Alexandrian or Coptic
calendar. In 1582 when the rest of the Christian
world adopted the Gregorian (European) calendar,
Ethiopia stayed with the ancient Julian calendar.
This calendar is still the official calendar in
Ethiopia. The calendar basically has 13 months,
each month having 30 days and the remaining 5
or 6 days are considered as a month and called
Pagumen.
The New Year is traditionally the end of the
season of heavy rains when the sun appears
again to create a clear, fresh environment with a
rainbow of new hope. ‘Enkutatash’, which means
“the gift of jewels”, has been celebrated since the
time of the Queen of Sheba. Folklore records that,
upon her return from visiting King Solomon in
Jerusalem, courtiers welcomed the Queen by
replenishing her treasury with “enku” or jewels.
The spring festival has been celebrated since
these early times and when the rainy season
ends, dancing and singing can be heard
throughout the villages in the green countryside.
In modern times, ‘Enkutatash’ is marked by all
religious observances, eating special foods,
singing and family gatherings. Girls go from house
to house singing New Year songs and the boys
present pictures that they have drawn.
Meanwhile, the adults discuss their hopes for the
coming year. This date is also a reminder of
Ethiopians distinct culture and civilization which
has been preserved for centuries - a significant
achievement bearing evidence that Ethiopia is one
of the oldest civilizations. To all friends and
family members, wishing you a Happy New Year
with the hope that you will have many blessings
in the year to come.New beginnin
