The Ethiopian New Year is a unique and fascinating celebration. Unlike most of the world, Ethiopia follows a different calendar system that is based on the ancient Coptic calendar. According to this system, the first month of the year is Meskerem, which corresponds to September in the Gregorian calendar and the Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11 every year except the year it rests on September 12, after the end of the last leap year.

The Ethiopian New Year is called Enkutatash. This name can serve as a gateway into Ethiopian Christianity, particularly the rich and indigenized Ethiopian Orthodoxy. The New Year is called Enkutatash as a result of the Ethiopian claim that the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10) was an Ethiopian who ruled the country in the 10th Century BC. According to the biblical story, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem and received many gifts from him, including jewels. When she returned to Ethiopia, her people welcomed her with joy and gave her more jewels as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. Thus, Enkutatash means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. Enkutatash is not only a celebration of the New Year, but also a celebration of the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring. During this time, the countryside is covered with yellow flowers called Maskel daisies or Adey Abeba, which symbolize hope and prosperity.

Enkutatash is a celebration that showcases the beauty and diversity of Ethiopia’s culture and history. It is a celebration that honors the past, embraces the present, and anticipates the future. It is a celebration that reflects the values and aspirations of Ethiopians.

written by: Samuel Tadele Habtu
Bridging Gaps Student