Celebrating Enkutatash: The Ethiopian New Year

Rejoicing in Enkutatash: The Ethiopian New Year

Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, is an exceptional festival that happens on September eleventh, or September twelfth in a jump year¹. Not at all like the other world that celebrates the New Year on January first, Ethiopia follows a novel schedule where September, known as Meskerem in the neighborhood language, is viewed as the main month of the year².

The Meaning of the Enkutatash The word “Enkutatash” means “gift of jewels.” This name begins from a legend that goes back exactly quite a while back. It is said that when the Sovereign of Sheba got back to Ethiopia after her renowned visit to Lord Solomon in Jerusalem, her devotees praised her return by giving her jewels¹. This return corresponded with the New Year festivity in September, consequently the name Enkutatash².

The Ethiopian New Year is set apart by huge festivals held around the country. On Mount Entoto1, a significant celebration takes place at the Raguel Church. Families attend church in the morning to begin the day. A while later, they assemble to share a customary dinner of injera (level bread) and wat (sauce)¹.

In the early evening, little kids wearing new garments accumulate daisies and present companions with a bouquet while singing New Year’s songs¹. One of the young ladies drives the tune and the rest answer the verse, reciting “lemlem”. They convey splendid yellow blossoms called adey abeba, which fill in Ethiopia just from September to November².

People respond by giving the girls money or a piece of holiday-prepared bread as a token of appreciation for their charming songs. The girls praise the person who gave them the gift in kind and wish them luck and prosperity in the coming year2.

Enkutatash isn’t simply a strict occasion. It has developed into a season for trading formal New Year good tidings and cards among metropolitan sophisticates¹. It’s when individuals abandon the stormy, hazy months of Ethiopia’s colder time of year duration and anticipate more promising times. The sprouting blossoms, bright days, and by and large lovely climate during this month are viewed as signs making sense of why it ought to be commended as the start of Another Year².

Let us remember the significance of this one-of-a-kind holiday as we celebrate it. Let us also take note of its distinctive customs, which unite families and communities. Thank you, Enkutatash!

(1) Enkutatash — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enkutatash.

(2) How to Praise the Ethiopian New Year | Culture Outing. https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ethiopia/articles/how-to-celebrate-the-ethiopian-new-year.

(3) Yahoo: Everything You Need to Know About Enkutatash, Ethiopia’s New Year. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/everything-know-enkutatash-ethiopian-212000332.html.