How Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash?
Enkutatash celebrations for the Ethiopian New Year typically last an entire week and revolve around family gatherings. On New Year’s Eve, Ethiopians light wooden torches —known as “chibo” in the local language— to symbolize the coming of the new season of sunshine now that the rain season comes to its end.
How to celebrate Ethiopian New Year?
On the night of the eve, each household or neighbors light wooden torches in groups called “chibo” to symbolize the coming of the new season of sunshine. Steeped in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church traditions, Enkutatash celebrations usually begin with church activities.
How to say happy New Year in Ethiopia?
Melkam Addis Amet! That’s “Happy New Year” in Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. Ethiopians are celebrating their New Year, or Enkukatash, today.
What are the symbols of Enkutatash?
Coptic New Year (Enkutatash)
- Type of Holiday: Calendar/Seasonal, Religious (Coptic Christian)
- Date of Observation: September 11.
- Where Celebrated: Egypt, Ethiopia.
- Symbols and Customs: Dog Star, Flowers, Grass, Red Dates.
What is the meaning of Enkutatash?
gift of jewels
Enkutatash is literally translated as “gift of jewels,” a name that derives from the story of the Queen of Sheba. According to the Bible and other ancient transcripts, the ancient queen of Ethiopia traveled to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon, and there she sent him a large quantity of gold and precious stones.
Why is Ethiopian New Year different?
1) The year lasts 13 months This is because it calculates the birth year of Jesus Christ differently. When the Catholic Church amended its calculation in 500 AD, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church did not. So the new year falls on 11 September in the Western calendar, or 12 September in leap years, at the start of spring.
Which year is Ethiopia in 2022?
Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) In 2022, Ethiopian New Year is on Sunday, September 11th.