Ethiopian calendar is a unique and ancient system of measuring time that is still in use today. The calendar has 13 months, with each month consisting of 30 days except the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it's a leap year or not. The Ethiopian calendar is also known as the Amharic calendar because it's mostly used by the Amhara people in Ethiopia.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ethiopian calendar is a unique and ancient system of measuring time that is still in use today. The calendar has 13 months, with each month consisting of 30 days except the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it's a leap year or not. The Ethiopian calendar is also known as the Amharic calendar because it's mostly used by the Amhara people in Ethiopia.
What is the Ethiopian Calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar is a solar calendar that traces its origins to the ancient Egyptian calendar. It's based on the Coptic calendar, which is still used by the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. The Ethiopian calendar is 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used calendar in the world. For example, the Ethiopian year 2013 corresponds to the Gregorian year 2021.
Why is it important?
The Ethiopian calendar is an important part of Ethiopian culture and tradition. It's used to determine the dates of religious festivals, agricultural activities, and other important events. The calendar is also used in official government documents and records.
History of the Ethiopian Calendar
The Ethiopian calendar has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest known reference to the Ethiopian calendar is in the Book of Aksum, which was written in the 4th century AD. The calendar was also used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which was founded in the 4th century AD.
The Ethiopian calendar was reformed in the 16th century by Emperor Zara Yaqob, who introduced a leap year system to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year. The current Ethiopian calendar is based on the reforms introduced by Emperor Menelik II in the 19th century.
What are the Months of the Ethiopian Calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, with each month consisting of 30 days except the last month, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it's a leap year or not. The months are:
- Meskerem
- Tikimt
- Hidar
- Tahsas
- Tir
- Yekatit
- Megabit
- Miazia
- Genbot
- Sene
- Hamle
- Nehase
- Pagume
How is the Ethiopian Calendar Celebrated?
The Ethiopian calendar is celebrated in many ways, including religious festivals, cultural events, and traditional holidays. Some of the most important festivals include:
- Enkutatash: This is the Ethiopian New Year, which is celebrated on September 11th or 12th every year.
- Meskel: This festival celebrates the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helena in the 4th century AD. It's celebrated on September 27th or 28th every year.
- Timket: This festival celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. It's celebrated on January 19th or 20th every year.
Question and Answer
Q: How is the Ethiopian calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Ethiopian calendar is 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar.
Q: How many months are there in the Ethiopian calendar?
A: There are 13 months in the Ethiopian calendar.
Q: What is the Ethiopian New Year?
A: The Ethiopian New Year is called Enkutatash and it's celebrated on September 11th or 12th every year.
Conclusion
The Ethiopian calendar is a unique and ancient system of measuring time that is still in use today. It's an important part of Ethiopian culture and tradition, and it's celebrated in many ways throughout the year. Understanding the Ethiopian calendar can help us appreciate the rich and diverse cultures of the world.
