The Ethiopian New Year is an important part of the unique and beautiful Ethiopian culture. It has always been a pleasure for me to be here at this time of year and witness this enjoyable experience. I have served as the UK Ambassador to Ethiopia for approaching four years now. And this Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) is therefore probably my last Ethiopian New Year before my term ends. I shall miss it.
Ethiopia has a very distinctive calendar with 13 months. The other 12 months each have thirty days, but the 13th month in the calendar (called ‘Pagume’) has 5 days in a standard year and 6 days in a leap year. This is why Ethiopia has often been called ‘a country of 13 months’ of sunshine’. (At least, it’s always sunny somewhere in Ethiopia, though as I write this it’s raining heavily in Addis! The New Year marks the approximate end of the rainy season.)
Ethiopia celebrates its New Year (Enkutatash meaning ‘gift of jewels’, referring to the Queen of Sheba) every year on the 11th of September (12th September in a leap year). It is a very special New Year, not least because it is several years younger than in countries following the Gregorian calendar. On 12 September 2015, Ethiopia will celebrate the beginning of its 2008th year. Ethiopian New Year is symbolised by a lovely, seasonal yellowish flower called Adey Abeba that flourishes around September.
The Ethiopian New Year is a time for greeting family, friends and neighbours. It’s a time for healing and forgiveness. May I wish a joyous, peaceful and prosperous New Year to all Ethiopians.
Melkam Addis Amet!