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How Astronomy, Faith and the Seasons Shape Ethiopia’s 13-Month Calendar

Bantu Gazette · 2 months ago · Read the Full Story on Bantu Gazette
How Astronomy, Faith and the Seasons Shape Ethiopia’s 13-Month Calendar
AI SUMMARY

Ethiopia celebrated its New Year, entering 2019 under an ancient 13-month calendar shaped by religious tradition, astronomy, and seasonal rhythms.

  • Ethiopia entered the year 2019 on Friday, remaining roughly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar.
  • The Ethiopian calendar consists of 12 months of 30 days each and a short 13th month called Pagumē containing five or six days.
  • The calendar's seven-year difference from the Western system stems from ancient chronological calculations of the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church maintained an Alexandrian chronology based on biblical calculations, while the Western system developed from Dionysius Exiguus.
  • Astrophysicist Getnet Feleke Ayane stated that ancient observations of celestial bodies like the sun and moon shaped early timekeeping systems.
  • Ancient Ge'ez texts, including the Book of Enoch, document connections between stellar observations, seasonal changes, and time measurement.
  • Ambassador Mulu Solomon noted that Ethiopia's historical sovereignty enabled generations to preserve the calendar and cultural traditions.
  • Ethiopian heritage links the Enkutatash New Year celebration to the Queen of Sheba's return from visiting King Solomon over 3,000 years ago.
  • Enkutatash coincides with the receding Kiremt rains, the blooming of Adey Abeba flowers, and preparations for the agricultural cycle.
  • Traditional New Year celebrations involve lighting chibo torches, covering home floors with ketema grass, and coffee ceremonies.
  • Young girls wearing traditional habesha kemis walk through neighborhoods on New Year's Day singing Abebayehosh and carrying yellow flowers.
  • Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed released a New Year message reflecting on national achievements and challenges while urging collective effort for development.
Read the Full Story on Bantu Gazette
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