Ethiopia follows a unique calendar known as the Ethiopian calendar or Ge’ez calendar. It is based on the ancient Coptic calendar and is roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, commonly used in the Western world.
Here are some key points about Ethiopia’s calendar:
1. Structure: The Ethiopian calendar consists of 13 months, 12 of them having 30 days each, and the 13th month, Pagumē, having either 5 or 6 days (depending on whether it’s a leap year). In a leap year, the 13th month has 6 days.
2. Leap Years: Ethiopian leap years occur every four years, similar to the Gregorian calendar. However, there is an additional rule that eliminates leap years once every 400 years.
3. New Year: Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, is the Ethiopian New Year. It falls on Meskerem 1st, which usually corresponds to September 11th (or 12th in a leap year) in the Gregorian calendar.
4. Cultural Significance: The Ethiopian calendar is widely used in the country, and its New Year is celebrated with various festivities, including traditional music, dance, and the exchange of gifts.
5. Historical Context: The Ethiopian calendar has its roots in the ancient Coptic calendar and is associated with the traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
6. Differences from the Gregorian Calendar: Apart from the year difference, there is a seven- to eight-year gap between the two calendars. For example, the year 2024 in the Gregorian calendar would roughly correspond to the year 2016 or 2017 in the Ethiopian calendar.
Ethiopia’s calendar deviates from both the Coptic and Julian calendars, with a notable 276-year difference between the Coptic and Ethiopian calendars. However, Ethiopia’s calendar remains intricately connected to the principles and unique calculations influenced by the Coptic Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Remarkably, Ethiopia stands as the exclusive African nation employing its distinct calendar system. Delve into the About Ethiopia website for a deeper understanding of the country’s distinctive features that set it apart.
The reason why Ethiopia is still using their calendar
The Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar, has its origins in ancient times and has been preserved and used for various cultural, religious, and historical reasons. Here’s why the Ethiopian calendar was introduced and why it continues to be used:
1. Cultural Significance: The Ethiopian calendar has deep cultural significance within Ethiopian society. It is intertwined with the country’s rich history, traditions, and religious practices, particularly within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The calendar’s continued use reflects the importance of preserving cultural heritage and identity.
2. Religious Tradition: The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church plays a central role in Ethiopian culture and society. The calendar is closely tied to religious festivals, observances, and events within the church. It provides a framework for religious practices and rituals, including the calculation of feast days, fasts, and other significant dates in the religious calendar.
3. Historical Continuity: Despite various influences and changes over the centuries, including interactions with other cultures and the introduction of different calendar systems, the Ethiopian calendar has persisted as a symbol of continuity and national identity. Its retention reflects a desire to maintain traditional customs and practices that have endured for generations.
4. Resistance to Colonialism: Ethiopia has a long history of independence and resistance to external domination. The preservation of the Ethiopian calendar can be seen as a symbol of cultural resilience and independence, resisting attempts at cultural assimilation or imposition of foreign calendars during periods of colonization or influence from outside powers.
5. Practical Considerations: While the Ethiopian calendar may differ from the Gregorian calendar used in much of the world, it serves practical purposes within Ethiopia’s borders. It provides a common framework for organizing daily life, scheduling agricultural activities, and conducting administrative tasks, despite any discrepancies with international standards.
Name of the months in Ethiopia’s Calendar
The Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar, consists of thirteen months. The twelve months are divided into 30 days each, while the thirteenth month has either 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it’s a leap year or not. Here are the months of the Ethiopian calendar:
1. Meskerem
2. Tikimt
3. Hidar
4. Tahsas
5. T’er
6. Yekatit
7. Megabit
8. Miazia
9. Ginbot
10. Sene
11. Hamle
12. Nehase
13. Pagumē
Each month holds cultural, religious, and historical significance within Ethiopian society, influencing various aspects of daily life and traditional practices.
Name of days of the week
However here are the days of the week named differently compared to the Western Gregorian calendar:
1. Senbet: Sunday
2. Maksegno: Monday
3. Irebu:. Tuesday
4. Hamus: Wednesday
5. Arb: Thursday
6. Kidame:. Friday
7. Senbete: Saturday
These names reflect the cultural and linguistic heritage of Ethiopia and are used in conjunction with the months to organize time and schedules within Ethiopian society.
The current year in Ethiopia is 2016. The Ethiopian year starts on 11th of September or on the 12th September in a Gregorian leap year. It is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian year owing to alternate calculations in determining the date of the annunciation of the birth of Jesus.
The year in the Ethiopian calendar today is 2016 and the next new Ethiopian year starts on September 11.
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