The Ethiopian Calendar
The Ethiopian calendar is a unique calendar system that is based on the Coptic calendar, which originated in Egypt. It has 13 months, with 12 months having 30 days each and the 13th month having 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year or not. The Ethiopian calendar is about 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar that is commonly used around the world.
What Day is it on the Ethiopian Calendar 2024?
As of 2023, the Ethiopian year is 2015 and the Ethiopian New Year will be celebrated on September 11, 2024. This means that the current year in the Ethiopian calendar is 2015 and the year 2024 in the Gregorian calendar will be the Ethiopian year 2012.
Question and Answer
Q: How is the Ethiopian calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, whereas the Gregorian calendar has 12 months. The Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11, whereas the Gregorian New Year falls on January 1. The Ethiopian calendar is about 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar.
Q: Why is the Ethiopian calendar 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which is about 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. This is because the Coptic calendar uses the ancient Alexandrian calendar, which had a different leap year cycle than the Julian calendar that was used at the time in Europe.
Q: How do Ethiopians celebrate the New Year?
A: The Ethiopian New Year is called Enkutatash, which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic. It is celebrated on September 11 and is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional food and drinks. There are also religious ceremonies that take place in churches across the country.
Q: What is the significance of the 13th month in the Ethiopian calendar?
A: The 13th month in the Ethiopian calendar is called Pagume and it has 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it is a leap year or not. It is considered to be a month of reflection and is a time for people to settle their debts and resolve any conflicts before the New Year begins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ethiopian calendar is a unique and fascinating calendar system that is different from the Gregorian calendar that is commonly used around the world. As of 2023, the Ethiopian year is 2015 and the Ethiopian New Year will be celebrated on September 11, 2024. The 13th month in the Ethiopian calendar is called Pagume and is a time for reflection and resolution. Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, is a time for families to come together and celebrate.