Ethiopian New Year

Ethiopian New Year History

The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is a significant cultural holiday celebrated annually by Ethiopians worldwide. Marking the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year, the celebration signifies renewed hope, happiness, and unity among families and communities. The Observance involves various activities, including the gathering of families and friends, traditional feasts, and the exchanging of gifts, symbolising goodwill and prosperity for the upcoming year.

Tracing back to centuries-old traditions, the Ethiopian calendar is based on the ancient Egyptian and, later, the Coptic calendars. It is distinguished from the Gregorian calendar used in the United Kingdom, as it has 13 months, with 12 months comprising 30 days each and one intercalary month having five or six days. Important aspects of the Ethiopian New Year are not only festivities for Ethiopians, but beautiful exchange of cultures. This holiday offers non-Ethiopian people in the United Kingdom the opportunity to appreciate and respect diverse cultural customs, learn about the rich Ethiopian heritage, and celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness.

In the United Kingdom, Ethiopian communities living across the country celebrate the Ethiopian New Year by following their traditional customs and practices. Festivities include colourful processions, music, dancing, and the preparation of traditional Ethiopian dishes. These celebrations provide opportunities for British people to engage with and learn more about Ethiopian culture. Ethiopian New Year usually occurs on September 11th or 12th, depending on whether it is a leap year in the Ethiopian calendar, which is generally 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar used within the United Kingdom.

Ethiopian New Year facts

• Ethiopian New Year occurs on Meskerem 1st on the Ethiopian calendar which is September 11th (or September 12th during leap year) on the Gregorian (Western) calendar. In Ethiopia they go by the Orthodox Julian calendar which is made up of 12 months of 30 days along with a 13th month (Pagume) that consists of 5 or 6 days depending on if it’s leap year. When compared to the Gregorian calendar, this Ethiopian calendar is exactly 7 years and 8 months behind it.
• Ethiopian New Year is known as Enkutatash in the Amharic language. It means gift of jewels. This name comes from the story of the Queen of Sheba who, according to the Bible and other ancient texts, was the ancient queen of Ethiopia. It’s said she traveled to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon and bring him treasure. Upon her return, the chiefs of Ethiopia welcomed her with jewels.
• The Ethiopian calendar consists of thirteen months. The twelve months each have thirty days, and there is an additional intercalary month known as Pagumē, which has five days and six days in a leap year.
• The date of Ethiopian New Year has cultural and historical significance, as it marks the end of the rainy season, the return of Queen of Sheba to Ethiopia, and the beginning of the harvest season.
• The Ethiopian flag and traditional decorations, such as the Meskel (a cultural symbol representing abundance and harvest), are often displayed during celebrations, while traditional Ethiopian dishes are prepared, including injera (sourdough flatbread), spicy meat stews known as wat or tibs, and Ethiopian coffee.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Ethiopian New Year

Top things to do in the UK for Ethiopian New Year's Day

• Participate in celebrations held around the country or visit Ethiopia. A notable place is the Ragual Church on Entoto mountain. Ethiopian New Year celebrations are both religious and secular. The day typically starts with church services and isfollowed by a family meal.
• Enjoy traditional Ethiopian dishes. Some examples include Injera (flat bread) and Wat (stew), Kitfo (minced meat), and Beyainatu (vegetable, potato, and curry mix).
• Ethiopian restaurants and bars in the UK may host parties with DJs, live music, or traditional dance performances to celebrate the New Year. These venues provide an opportunity to enjoy a taste of Ethiopian culture and cuisine.
• Use the occasion of Ethiopian New Year as an opportunity to learn more about the rich history and culture of Ethiopia. Visit museums, attend talks, or watch documentaries that showcase the country's heritage and traditions.