Enkutatash: Ethiopia’s New Year of Renewal, Culture, and Heritage
Enkutatash,
Ethiopia’s vibrant New Year celebration, translates to “Gift of Jewels” in
Amharic, reflecting its deep roots in legend and culture. Unlike global New
Year festivities like January 1st or Rosh Hashanah, Enkutatash heralds spring’s
arrival on September 11 (or 12 in leap years), blending ancient traditions with
joyous renewal. This guide explores Enkutatash’s history, rituals, and modern
practices, offering insights into one of Africa’s most captivating holidays.
History
and Legend: The Queen of Sheba’s Legacy
Enkutatash’s
origins trace back to the legendary Queen of Sheba (Makeda). According to
Ethiopian tradition, upon her return from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem
(circa 1000 BCE), her nobles welcomed her with
‘enkuta’ (jewels), symbolizing prosperity. This story, detailed in the “Kebra
Nagast” (Ethiopia’s sacred text), anchors Enkutatash in national identity,
merging myth with Ethiopia’s Solomonic dynasty legacy.
Cultural
and Religious Significance
1.
Spiritual Observances
Ethiopian
Orthodox Christians attend midnight Mass, wearing traditional white “habesha
kemis” (dress) and “gabbi” (shawl). Churches like Entoto Mariam in Addis Ababa
hold special prayers, with priests chanting hymns from the “Deggua”
(Antiphons). The holiday aligns with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, linking
renewal to spiritual rebirth.
2.
Festive Customs
-
Children’s Songs (Abebayehos): Kids sing Abebayehos, carrying hand-painted
bouquets of Meskel daisies. Lyrics often bless households, like “Melkam addis
amet!” (“Happy New Year!”).
-
Feasting: Families share doro wat (spicy stew), injera (sourdough flatbread),
and honey wine (tej). A symbolic platter (rejim) with bread, honey, and milk
signifies abundance.
-
“Dance and Music” The “eskista” (shoulder dance) and “kebero” drum rhythms energize
gatherings, while the “masinko” (single-string fiddle) accompanies poetic
verses.
Ethiopian
Calendar: A Unique Timekeeping System
Structure
and Conversion
-
13 Months of Sunshine: Ethiopia’s calendar has 12 months (30 days each) plus
Pagumē (5-6 days), aligning with solar cycles.
-
Date Conversion:
| Gregorian Date | Ethiopian Year |
| Jan 1–Sep 10 | Subtract 8 yrs |
| Sep 11–Dec 31 | Subtract 7 yrs |
Example: September 11, 2024 = Meskerem 1,
2017 (Ethiopian).
Why
the 7-Year Gap?
Dating
the Annunciation to 7 BCE (vs. 1 CE in Gregorian) creates the offset,
preserving ancient chronologies.
Modern
Celebrations: From Villages to Global Diasporas
-
Urban Festivities: Addis Ababa hosts parades, concerts, and fireworks at Meskel
Square. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines promote holiday travel.
-
Diaspora Traditions: Cities like Washington D.C. and Toronto host cultural
festivals featuring injera-making workshops and traditional coffee ceremonies
(bunna).
-
Digital Age: Social media trends like #Enkutatash connect global Ethiopians,
sharing recipes and virtual greetings.
A
Timeless Celebration of Hope
Enkutatash transcends time, uniting Ethiopians through faith, folklore, and community. Whether in a rural village or a diaspora hub, its message of renewal resonates universally. For travellers, experiencing Enkutatash offers a window into Ethiopia’s soul—a land where history and joy intertwine.
