Enkutatas (Ethiopian New Year)

Ethiopian New YearEthiopia is the only country in the world where the Julian calendar is still used not only in church life, but also in secular life. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years and eight months behind us.

Translated from Ethiopian Enktutatash means “Day of Gifting of Jewels”. According to legend, the date of the new year was approved by the Queen of Sheba. After her return to Father Solomon from Jerusalem, enthusiastic subjects greeted her with an offering of precious stones. The return of the queen was the beginning of a new era for Ethiopia, whose emperors were descended from King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.

Ethiopian mural. The Queen of Sheba Rides to Jerusalem

The largest celebrations on the occasion of the new year are held in the 14th century church - Costete Johannes (St. John) in the city of Gaint in the state of Gondar. For 3 days, a colorful procession prepares to celebrate the New Year, the priests read psalms, sermons, prayers and hymns. Encutatash is also widely celebrated near Addis Ababa, in Ragual Church on Mount Entoto.

According to tradition, the celebration begins in the evening of September 10. Ethiopians make fires from eucalyptus or spruce. The largest bonfire of trees with a length of about 6 meters is built in the main square of Addis Ababa, and the king (governor or president) to applause and booing of the crowd sets this bonfire on fire. Fire is a sign of warmth. Everyone looks at the flame with hope, rejoice and have fun. The mainstay of the fire is a powerful tree. Those gathered in the square watch where the charred top of the tree falls. There is a belief that it will indicate the side where there will be a large harvest in the coming year. People see it as a sign of God.

Early in the morning, people dressed in national clothes go to church. After the church, they go home to eat figs (white flat bread) and uat (stewed meat) at the family meal.