2020 In Ethiopian Calendar
As an Ethiopian, I am always excited to celebrate the new year according to the Ethiopian calendar. In 2020, the year was 2012 in the Ethiopian calendar and it was a year full of important events and celebrations.
What is the Ethiopian Calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar, is a solar calendar used in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It has 13 months, with 12 months of 30 days and a 13th month of 5 or 6 days, depending on whether it’s a leap year. The calendar is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar used in most countries around the world.
Important Events and Festivals in 2020 In Ethiopian Calendar
2020 was a year of celebration and tradition in Ethiopia. Here are some of the most important events and festivals:
- Enkutatash (New Year’s Day): This is the first day of the year in the Ethiopian calendar and is celebrated on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time of joy and renewal, with families gathering to share food and gifts.
- Meskel (Finding of the True Cross): This is a major Orthodox Christian holiday celebrated on September 27 in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine.
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): This is a Muslim holiday celebrated on July 31 in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
- Timket (Epiphany): This is a major Orthodox Christian holiday celebrated on January 19 in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
- Easter: This is a major Orthodox Christian holiday celebrated on April 19 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, followed by a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Celebrations and Traditions
Each of these events and festivals has its own unique traditions and celebrations. For example, on Enkutatash, it is traditional to wear new clothes and to exchange gifts with family and friends. On Meskel, a large bonfire is lit and people dance around it, singing and chanting.
On Timket, there is a colorful procession of priests, carrying beautifully decorated umbrellas and crosses, as they lead the faithful to a nearby body of water for a baptismal ceremony. Easter is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, followed by a joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
FAQs
What is the significance of the Ethiopian calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar is significant because it reflects the country’s unique history and culture. It is also important for religious and cultural events and festivals, which are an important part of Ethiopian life.
How is the Ethiopian calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
The Ethiopian calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar in several ways. It has 13 months instead of 12, and the months are based on the solar cycle rather than the lunar cycle. The Ethiopian New Year also falls on a different date than the Western New Year.
Why do Orthodox Christians celebrate different holidays than other Christians?
Orthodox Christians celebrate different holidays because of the way the church calendar developed over time. The Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar used by Western Christians. As a result, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter and other holidays on different dates than other Christians.
Conclusion
2020 was a year of celebration and tradition in Ethiopia. From Enkutatash to Easter, each event and festival has its own unique traditions and celebrations. The Ethiopian calendar is an important part of the country’s history and culture, and these events and festivals bring people together to celebrate their faith and their traditions.