Ethiopian New Year: A Brief Introduction
Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11th or 12th depending on whether it’s a leap year or not. It marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the new harvest season. Enkutatash means “gift of jewels” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and is named after the story of the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, where she gifted him with gold, precious stones, and frankincense.
Ethiopia’s Unique New Year Celebrations
Ethiopians have a unique way of celebrating the New Year where they mix religious and cultural traditions. The festivities last for two weeks and involve feasting, dancing, singing, and gift-giving. The celebrations are centered on community and family, where people come together to share the joy of the New Year and to renew their relationships with each other.
A Festive Time of Renewal and Rejoicing
Ethiopian New Year is a time of renewal and rejoicing. It’s a time to forget the past and to embrace new beginnings. Ethiopians celebrate the New Year with great excitement, and it’s a time when people forgive each other and start fresh. The festivities are also a time for thanksgiving and prayer, as Ethiopians express their gratitude for the blessings of the past year and pray for a prosperous year ahead.
The Significance of the Ethiopian Calendar
The Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar, is unique and has a fascinating history. It’s a solar calendar that is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, with 12 months of 30 days and a final month of five or six days, depending on whether it is a leap year or not.
Preparations for the New Year Celebration
Preparations for Enkutatash begin weeks before the actual day of celebration. People clean their houses, buy new clothes, and prepare traditional foods. The celebration starts on the eve of Enkutatash, where people light bonfires, sing and dance around them.
Traditional Foods and Drinks During the Festivities
Ethiopian New Year is a time for feasting, and traditional foods are an essential part of the celebration. Dishes such as Doro Wat, Injera, and Shiro are popular during the festivities. Drinks such as Tella and Tej, which are traditional Ethiopian beer and honey wine, are also served during the celebrations.
Special Clothes and Accessories for the Occasion
Ethiopians take pride in dressing up for the New Year celebrations. People wear new clothes that are usually made from traditional Ethiopian fabric, such as the Habesha Kemis for women and the Netela for men. Accessories such as jewelry, scarves, and shawls are also worn to complete the look.
The Role of Music and Dance in the Celebrations
Music and dance play a significant role in Ethiopian New Year celebrations. Traditional Ethiopian music is played, and people dance together in a circle. The dance is known as the Eskista, and it involves a lot of shoulder-shaking and hip-swaying.
Family Gatherings and Gift Exchanges
Enkutatash is a time for family gatherings, where people come together to celebrate the New Year. Gift-giving is also an essential part of the celebration, where people exchange gifts with their loved ones.
Religious Observances and Worship Services
Ethiopian New Year is a time for religious observances and worship services. Ethiopians are predominantly Orthodox Christians, and they attend church services on the day of Enkutatash. The services are filled with prayers and hymns, and people light candles to signify the start of the New Year.
New Year’s Day: A Time for Reflection and Resolutions
New Year’s Day is a time for reflection and resolutions. Ethiopians take time to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the year ahead. It’s a time to let go of the past and to start fresh with new goals and aspirations.
The Spirit of Unity and Community in Ethiopian New Year
Ethiopian New Year is a time of unity and community. The celebrations bring people together, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. It’s a time to celebrate diversity, to embrace new beginnings, and to strengthen relationships with family and friends. The spirit of Enkutatash is one of joy, peace, and love, and it’s a time to renew our commitment to each other and to our communities.
