Imagine if you got up to discover that you’re residing in 2017 rather of 2024. The concept may seem like a dream become a reality, however that’s an entire 7 years behind. While this may be a dream for some, it’s the truth for the Ethiopians, who are presently calling in the year 2017 on their special calendar system. Why does Ethiopia commemorate the New Year in September and what makes their calendar so various from the rest of the world? The Ethiopian New Year– Enkutatash In Ethiopia, the New Year is commemorated with a celebration referred to as Enkutatash. This dynamic event, which falls around September 11 or 12 on the Gregorian calendar, marks the start of the Ethiopian New Year. The timing of Enkutatash accompanies completion of the rainy season and the start of the flower blooming season. For Ethiopians, it’s a time of renewal and happiness, showing the abundant tapestry of their culture and customs. The Ethiopia’s Unique Calendar The Ethiopian calendar, deeply linked with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, is a remarkable system that diverges considerably from the Gregorian calendar the majority of us recognize with. Originated from ancient Coptic and Julian calendars, it runs on a various timeline due to its special computation of the birth of Jesus Christ. While the Gregorian calendar positions Jesus’ birth in between 1 B.C. and 1 A.D., the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar sets it about 7 to 8 years later on. This disparity is why Ethiopia’s calendar is presently about 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. What the Ethiopian Calendar is everything about The Ethiopian calendar is a solar calendar with an unique structure. It includes 12 months, each with 30 days, plus an extra 13th month referred to as Pagumē. Pagumē has 5 days in a typical year and 6 in a leap year, making an overall of 365 or 366 days. This calendar’s style causes a 13-month year, a function that sets it apart from the Gregorian system. Ethiopia’s technique to time likewise varies from the international standard. The Ethiopian day starts at 6:00 AM instead of midnight, and the day is divided into 2 12-hour durations beginning with this point. The months of the Ethiopian calendar start with Meskerem (September/October) and end with Nehasse (August), with Pagumē serving as a transitional duration in between the old and brand-new years. Ethiopia’s cultural significance and event Enkutatash is not simply a New Year event; it’s a cultural expression of Ethiopia’s historic connection and strength. Unlike numerous nations that were colonized and therefore had their cultural practices changed, Ethiopia has actually protected much of its ancient heritage. The event of Enkutatash shows this withstanding cultural identity, commemorating completion of the rainy season and the charm of flowering flowers, representing hope and renewal. In summary, Ethiopia’s event of the New Year in September and its entry into 2017 are an outcome of its special calendar system. This system, deeply rooted in historic and spiritual customs, uses a remarkable peek into how various cultures experience time and mark the passage of years. While it might appear uncommon from a worldwide point of view, for Ethiopians, it’s a treasured custom that links them to their previous and commemorates today.