Discover the Date for Ethiopian New Year 2014 and Celebrate the Festivities with Joyful Traditions
When is Ethiopian New Year 2014? The answer may surprise you. While the rest of the world celebrates the start of a new year on January 1st, Ethiopians have their own unique calendar and celebrate New Year, called Enkutatash, on September 11th.
But why is Ethiopia on a different calendar than the rest of the world? The Ethiopian calendar is based on the ancient Coptic calendar, which is believed to have originated in Egypt around 25 BCE. It has 13 months, with 12 months of 30 days each and a thirteenth month of either 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it's a leap year or not.
So what can you expect during Enkutatash celebrations? Ethiopians traditionally gather with family and friends to feast on special dishes such as injera, doro wat, and kitfo. They also dress up in new clothes and flowers are exchanged as a symbol of renewal and hope for the new year.
Enkutatash is also a time for reflection and giving thanks. Ethiopians thank God for the blessings of the past year and pray for a prosperous new year. In fact, Enkutatash means gift of jewels and symbolizes the wealth of God's blessings.
But Enkutatash is not just celebrated in Ethiopia. It is also recognized by millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians around the world, including in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. This global celebration showcases the richness and diversity of Ethiopian culture and traditions.
Despite the differences in calendars, one thing is universal – the desire for a fresh start and a better tomorrow. Enkutatash offers a chance for all to reflect on the past and look towards the future with hope and optimism.
So whether you are Ethiopian or not, why not take a page from Enkutatash and use this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future? It's never too late to start anew.
If you're interested in experiencing Enkutatash celebrations firsthand, there are many events and festivals held throughout Ethiopia and across the world. Look up local Ethiopian communities or cultural organizations to see if they're hosting any Enkutatash events.
In conclusion, Enkutatash is a rich and vibrant celebration of the Ethiopian New Year. It offers a chance for reflection, thanksgiving, and renewal, and is celebrated by millions around the world. So mark September 11th on your calendar and join in the festivities – you won't be disappointed!
"When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014" ~ bbaz
When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014
Have you ever heard of the unique celebration of Ethiopian New Year? It is not celebrated on January 1st like most countries. Instead, Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11th or September 12th, depending on the Leap Year calculations. This year, in 2014, Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11th.
The Unique History of Ethiopian New Year
Ethiopian New Year is also called Enkutatash in Amharic, which means “gift of jewels”. The history of Enkutatash goes all the way back to about 3,000 years ago when Queen Sheba returned from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem. She brought back with her a bunch of precious jewels and gifts which she distributed to the people of Ethiopia. Everyone was so happy that they started celebrating the event, marking it as the start of a new year.
Over the centuries, Ethiopia has gone through many wars and changes in governance. However, the traditions of Enkutatash have managed to survive, even during times of political turmoil.
Preparation and Celebration
Enkutatash falls at the end of the Ethiopian summer and the beginning of the rainy season. Prior to this day, preparations are made by cleaning, decorating homes and public places with flowers and greenery. Flowers play a huge role in the celebrations, with yellow daisies, know as the Adey Abeba, being a particular favorite of the holiday.
On the day of Enkutatash, people dress in traditional clothing and head to church for a special ceremony. A lot of singing, chanting and clapping goes on in the churches. People give thanks for the previous year and pray for the upcoming one. After that, they head back home where they engage in more singing, dancing and holiday meals.
Traditional Foods
Food plays a big part in the celebration of Enkutatash. Traditional dishes include Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Injera (sourdough flatbread), and Timatim Fitfit (tomato salad). Tej, a local honey wine, is also consumed in great quantities during the holiday.
The festivities do not end on the first day of Enkutatash. People continue to celebrate for an entire week. They attend parties, visit each other’s homes and exchange gifts. This time is considered to be a very important occasion for socialization and networking.
Conclusion
Ethiopian New Year may seem like an unusual holiday to those who are not familiar with its traditions. However, it is a unique and vibrant celebration that has been taking place for thousands of years. During this time, Ethiopians come together to give thanks, make new friends and make merry. So if you are looking for a special event to attend in September, consider heading over to Ethiopia for Enkutatash!
When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014: Comparison and Analysis
Introduction
Ethiopia, a country located in the Horn of Africa celebrates its new year differently from other parts of the world. While the Gregorian calendar starts on January 1, Ethiopians celebrate their new year called Enkutatash or Ethiopian New Year on September 11 or on September 12 every leap year. In this article, we will compare some key aspects of the Ethiopian New Year celebration with the western new year celebration in 2014.Ethiopian New Year versus Western New Year
Date and Time
The Ethiopian New Year 2014 falls on September 11 while the western new year starts on January 1. The Ethiopian new year also starts at 6 am while the western new year starts at midnight.Calendar
Ethiopia follows a different calendar system called the Ethiopian calendar which is based on the ancient Coptic calendar. It has a 13-month calendar with 12 months having 30 days each and the last month having 5 or 6 days depending on whether it is a leap year or not. The western calendar is the Gregorian calendar which has 12 months.Traditions and Customs
Ethiopians celebrate their new year with a religious procession, wearing traditional clothes, feasting on special dishes, and exchanging gifts. Western new year celebrations involve parties, fireworks, and champagne toasts.Significance
Enkutatash means “gift of jewels” in Amharic and it commemorates the Queen of Sheba’s return from her trip to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem according to Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition. The western new year’s significance lies in the transition from the old year to the new year and starting fresh.Music and Dance
Music and dance are an integral part of Ethiopian New Year celebrations. The traditional music and dance called Eskista is performed by men and women wearing colorful clothes and it involves shoulder movements and foot tapping. Western new year celebrations also involve music and dancing but the style varies depending on the location.Food
During Enkutatash, Ethiopians feast on traditional dishes such as doro wat, injera, and kitfo. Doro wat is a spicy chicken stew, injera is a sourdough flatbread, and kitfo is a dish made with raw minced beef. Western new year celebrations involve feasting on party appetizers, champagne, and desserts.Resolutions
Westerners often make resolutions for the new year such as quitting smoking or losing weight. Ethiopians do not typically make new year’s resolutions but they pray and attend church services.Public Holidays
Ethiopian New Year is a public holiday in Ethiopia while western new year is a public holiday in many countries around the world.Greeting
Ethiopians greet each other with the phrase “Melkam Addis Amet” or “Happy New Year” while westerners greet each other with “Happy New Year”.Conclusion
In this article, we have compared some key aspects of Ethiopian New Year celebration to the western new year celebration in 2014. Though the celebrations differ greatly, both signify the beginning of a new year and hope for a better future. Whether it is Enkutatash or the western new year, let us enjoy the celebrations and start fresh.When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014?
Introduction
Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world which follow their own traditional calendar, known as the Ethiopian calendar. The Ethiopian New Year, also called Enkutatash, falls on the first day of the first month of this calendar, which is on September 11th or 12th traditionally and is usually celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. This article will guide you on when the Ethiopian New Year 2014 is, its significance, and how Ethiopians celebrate it.The Ethiopian Calendar
The Ethiopian calendar has twelve months, with each month consisting of thirty days, except for the last month, which has five or six days depending on whether it’s a leap year or not. The leap year happens once every four years with an additional month of six days. The calendar is based on the Julian calendar that was created by Julius Caesar, but it’s seven years and eight months behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world.Significance of the Ethiopian New Year
The Ethiopian New Year has a significant religious and cultural importance to Ethiopians. It marks the end of the rainy season, and the start of the harvest season. Ethiopians believe that the Ark of the Covenant, which contains the Ten Commandments, is kept in the city of Axum in Ethiopia, and the New Year celebrates the return of Queen of Sheba from Jerusalem to Ethiopia, carrying with her gifts of gold and frankincense, as well as the arrival of Christianity in Ethiopia in the fourth century.Celebrations
Ethiopians celebrate the New Year in various ways. Many will attend a church service to pray and give thanks for the blessings of the year that has passed and to welcome the new year. The day is also an occasion for family gatherings, where traditional meals like “Doro Wat” or spicy chicken stew are served. Young girls and women dress in their traditional white Ethiopian dresses known as “Kaba,” singing and dancing with their families.Bonfires
Another memorable way that Ethiopians celebrate the New Year is by lighting bonfires to mark the end of the rainy season. The young people carry torches or bundles of dry grass, singing and dancing around the fire. It’s an extraordinary sight to observe and photographs beautifully.Gift Giving
Traditionally, family and friends exchange gifts or cards at this time. Small children may receive new clothes and shoes. Gifting food is a common theme in Ethiopia, and the idea of sharing is prevalent. You will even see restaurants offering free food to those who arrive on foot, bringing people together, and spreading some cheer without expecting anything in return.Conclusion
The Ethiopian New Year is a special occasion in Ethiopia celebrated with great enthusiasm. If you plan to visit Ethiopia, experiencing the festivities is a must. The day is filled with religious ceremonies, traditional meals, singing, dancing, and gift-giving, and people are friendly and welcoming. Overall enjoying the cultural traditions of any country is a great way to broaden your horizons as well as learn and appreciate different lifestyles.In Summary
- Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) falls on the first day of the first month of the Ethiopian calendar usually on September 11th or 12th.- The twelve month Ethiopian calendar consists of thirty days, except the last month which has five or six days depending on whether it’s a leap year.- The New Year marks the end of the rainy season, the spreading of Christianity in Ethiopia, and the return of Queen of Sheba to Axum, Ethiopia.- Traditionally, families gather to share meals, sing, dance, and exchange gifts.- Bonfires are an integral part of New Year celebrations in Ethiopia, with young people singing and dancing around it.- If you plan to visit Ethiopia, experiencing the New Year festivities is a must.When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014?
Ethiopia, one of the oldest nations in Africa, holds a unique cultural and historical significance. The country has a distinct calendar that is different from the Gregorian calendar used globally. According to the Ethiopian calendar, the new year starts on September 11, which falls on September 12 in the Gregorian calendar.
The Ethiopian calendar, known as the Ge’ez calendar, has 13 months and is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. The calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which was developed by the Egyptians in the fourth century. It has its roots in the ancient Egyptian calendar, which used a solar-based system.
The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is a significant holiday in Ethiopia, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring, which is an important time for farmers. The holiday is also a time for renewal, forgiveness, and unity.
The celebrations start on the eve of Enkutatash, which is known as Addis Amet. People dress up in traditional clothes, light candles, and make bonfires to mark the occasion. The next day, families gather together for a special meal, which typically includes injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, and doro wat, a spicy chicken stew.
The holiday is also an important time for religious observances. Ethiopia is known for its strong Orthodox Christian tradition, and Enkutatash is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Churches are filled with songs and prayers, and people engage in acts of charity and goodwill.
The Ethiopian New Year is also a time for cultural celebrations. Many cities hold parades, music performances, and poetry readings. Young people perform traditional dances and wear colorful costumes, while elders share stories and wisdom with the community.
Enkutatash is not only celebrated in Ethiopia but also by the Ethiopian diaspora around the world. In major cities like New York, London, and Washington D.C., Enkutatash celebrations are held with music, food, and cultural performances. It’s a way for Ethiopians to connect with their heritage and share their traditions with the wider community.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Ethiopian New Year falls on a different date every year, according to the Ethiopian calendar. So, when is the Ethiopian New Year 2014? As mentioned earlier, Enkutatash falls on September 11 in the Ethiopian calendar, which means that it took place on September 12, 2014, according to the Gregorian calendar. However, keep in mind that the Ethiopian New Year will have a different date every year, so it’s always wise to check the latest calendar to stay up to date.
In conclusion, the Ethiopian New Year is a fascinating and important holiday that celebrates the country’s unique culture, history, and traditions. Whether you’re in Ethiopia or elsewhere in the world, Enkutatash is a time for unity, renewal, and spiritual reflection. We wish all our readers a happy and prosperous Ethiopian New Year.
When Is Ethiopian New Year 2014 - People Also Ask
What is the Ethiopian New Year?
The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is a holiday that marks the beginning of the Ethiopian calendar. It falls on September 11th every year except for leap years where it falls on September 12th.
How is Ethiopian New Year celebrated?
Ethiopian New Year is celebrated with feasting, dancing, singing, and giving gifts. The holiday is a time for families to come together, exchange presents, and share a traditional meal.
What does Enkutatash mean?
Enkutatash means gift of jewels in Amharic, which is the official language of Ethiopia. According to legend, the holiday commemorates the Queen of Sheba's return from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, bringing with her gifts of jewels.
Is Ethiopian New Year a public holiday?
Yes, Ethiopian New Year is a public holiday in Ethiopia. Banks, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.
What year is it in Ethiopia right now?
As of September 2021, it is 2014 in Ethiopia according to the Ethiopian calendar. This is because the Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar used in most other countries.
What is the significance of Ethiopian New Year?
Ethiopian New Year is significant because it marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and welcome the new year with hope and gratitude.
How old is the Ethiopian calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar has been in use for over 2000 years and is based on the Coptic calendar, which in turn derives from the ancient Egyptian calendar.
Why is the Ethiopian calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar because it has 13 months instead of 12 and the new year falls on a different date. This is due to a difference in calculation of the date of the Annunciation and a slight variation in the length of the year.
Do other countries celebrate New Year at the same time as Ethiopia?
No, most countries follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate New Year on January 1st. However, some countries, such as China and Vietnam, have their own traditional New Year celebrations that fall on different dates.
When is the next Ethiopian New Year?
The next Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, will be celebrated on September 11th, 2022.