እንኳን ለ፳፩፯ (2017) በሰላም አደረሳቹ!! መልካም በአል ይሁንላቹ! Happy Ethiopian New Year!!

Enkutatash is a celebration of renewal and fresh beginnings, and is celebrated by both believers and nonbelievers. The name Enkutatash means "gift of jewels" and comes from the Ethiopian tradition that Queen of Sheba returned to Ethiopia from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem on September 11. Ethiopia uses a unique calendar and time system primarily due to its historical, cultural, and religious significance. Here are the main reasons: Ethiopian Calendar Historical Roots: The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which itself is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. It has 13 months: 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month (Pagumē) that has 5 days in common years and 6 days in leap years. Different Year Count: The Ethiopian calendar is approximately 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar, depending on the time of year. This discrepancy arises from differences in calculating the birth of Jesus Christ. Cultural Identity: The use of its own calendar reflects Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage and identity, distinguishing it from its neighbors and the rest of the world. (From Quore) The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is celebrated with a variety of activities, including: Traditional songs: Groups of Ethiopian girls often perform traditional songs to start the day. Family meals: Traditional dishes like injera (a sourdough flatbread) and doro wat (a spicy chicken stew) are served with honey-based wine and Ethiopian coffee. Dancing: Families dance to traditional Ethiopian music. Bonfires: Households light bonfires in their backyards and dance around them. Church attendance: People wear traditional clothing and attend church in the morning. Children's activities: Children dance in the villages and boys sell paintings to earn money for presents. Girls' activities: Girls sing songs and hand out bouquets as they visit houses. Torches: Households light wooden torches to symbolize the new season of sunshine.