The Ethiopian Calendar

When it comes to calendars, Ethiopia follows a different system than most of the world. The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. This means that the Ethiopian year is roughly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world.

The Ethiopian calendar has twelve months of thirty days each, with an additional thirteenth month of five or six days. The names of the months are based on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and each month has its own unique celebration or holiday.

What Calendar Year is it in Ethiopia?

As of 2023, Ethiopia is in the year 2015 according to the Ethiopian calendar. This means that in 2024, Ethiopia will be in the year 2016.

Why Does Ethiopia Use a Different Calendar?

The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which was introduced to Ethiopia in the fourth century by Saint Athanasius. It is still used today because of the strong influence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has been a major part of Ethiopian culture for centuries.

Q&A about the Ethiopian Calendar

What is the Thirteenth Month in the Ethiopian Calendar?

The thirteenth month in the Ethiopian calendar is called “Pagume.” It is a short month that lasts five or six days, depending on whether or not it is a leap year. Pagume is a time for rest and reflection, and it is considered to be a period of transition between the old year and the new year.

How Does the Ethiopian Calendar Compare to Other Calendars?

The Ethiopian calendar is unique in many ways. It is based on the Coptic calendar, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. It has twelve months of thirty days each, and a thirteenth month that is either five or six days long. The Ethiopian calendar is roughly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world.

What Holidays Are Celebrated in the Ethiopian Calendar?

Each month of the Ethiopian calendar has its own unique celebration or holiday. Some of the most important holidays include:

• The Ethiopian New Year, which is celebrated on September 11th or 12th
• The Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the baptism of Jesus and is celebrated on January 19th or 20th
• The Feast of the Resurrection, which is celebrated at the end of the forty-day Lenten fast
• The Feast of Maryam Zion, which celebrates the Ark of the Covenant and is celebrated on November 24th or 25th

Conclusion

The Ethiopian calendar is a unique and fascinating system that has been used in Ethiopia for centuries. It is based on the Coptic calendar, which is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. The Ethiopian year is roughly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar, and it has twelve months of thirty days each, with a thirteenth month of five or six days. Each month has its own unique celebration or holiday, making the Ethiopian calendar a rich and vibrant part of Ethiopian culture.