Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a unique calendar system. While most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has its own calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. In this article, we will explore the Ethiopian calendar system and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a unique calendar system. While most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has its own calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. In this article, we will explore the Ethiopian calendar system and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
What is the Ethiopian Calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar is a solar calendar that has 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month of five or six days, depending on whether it is a leap year or not. The Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11 or 12, depending on whether it is a leap year or not.
Why is the Ethiopian Calendar Different?
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the ancient Coptic calendar, which was used in Egypt before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. The Coptic calendar was based on the ancient Egyptian calendar and was used by the early Christians in Egypt. Ethiopia adopted this calendar system when it became a Christian country in the 4th century.
How is the Ethiopian Calendar Calculated?
The Ethiopian calendar is calculated by using the Julian calendar, which was used in Europe before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar is based on a 365-day year, with an extra day added every four years to account for the leap year. However, the Ethiopian calendar has an extra day every four years, except for the century years that are not divisible by 400.
What Year is it in Ethiopia?
As of the writing of this article in 2023, the year in Ethiopia is 2015. This is because Ethiopia has its own calendar system, which is approximately seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar.
Why is the Year Different in Ethiopia?
The year is different in Ethiopia because the Ethiopian calendar system is based on a different calculation than the Gregorian calendar. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, while the Gregorian calendar has 12 months. Additionally, Ethiopia uses a different starting point for the calendar, which is believed to be the year of the birth of Jesus Christ.
What are the Names of the Months in the Ethiopian Calendar?
The 12 months in the Ethiopian calendar are:
- Mäskäräm
- Təqəmt
- Hədar
- Tərr
- Yäkatit
- Mägabit
- Miyazya
- Gənbot
- Sənə
- Hamle
- Nəḥasə
- Pagumən
The 13th month is called Pāgume.
Conclusion
The Ethiopian calendar system is a unique and fascinating aspect of Ethiopian culture. While it may be confusing to those unfamiliar with it, it is an important part of Ethiopian identity and heritage. Understanding the Ethiopian calendar can help us appreciate the diversity of the world and the rich cultural traditions that exist beyond our own borders.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the Ethiopian calendar or anything else related to Ethiopia, feel free to leave a comment below and we'll do our best to answer it!
