Enkutatash! Rotary Ethiopia Celebrates New Year 2016
By Hanna Abebe
Enkutatash, also known as Ethiopian New Year, is a significant holiday celebrated in Ethiopia on September 11. The holiday marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
The history behind Enkutatash dates back to the time of Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia pregnant with his child. She gave birth to a son named Menelik I, who later became the first Emperor of Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world. This difference is due to the fact that the Ethiopian calendar has 13 months instead of 12, with the 13th month being five or six days long.
Enkutatash is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. People dress in traditional clothing and gather with their families and friends to celebrate. The day begins with a special church service, where people give thanks for the blessings of the past year and pray for a prosperous new year.
After the church service, people return home to prepare a feast. Traditional dishes such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew), injera (a sourdough flatbread), and kitfo (raw minced beef) are served. Families exchange gifts, and children receive new clothes and toys.
In addition to these traditions, there are some unique customs associated with Enkutatash. Girls sing Abebayehosh, a song that praises the beauty of Ethiopia and its people. Boys give paintings as gifts to their friends and family members. There is also a fire lighting ceremony where people light bonfires to symbolize the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season.
In Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa, Enkutatash is celebrated with a large street festival. There are parades, music, dancing, and traditional food vendors. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Ethiopian culture and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Enkutatash is a time to celebrate new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. The holiday is an important part of Ethiopian culture and tradition, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. As we celebrate Enkutatash this year, let us remember the history behind the holiday and the significance it holds for the people of Ethiopia.
“Happy Enkutatash (New Year) to my wonderful friends in Ethiopia as you start the year 2016!’’ District Governor Leonard Ithau said.
Happy New Year, Ethiopia!
