Ethiopia celebrates New Year

Ethiopians celebrated the 2017 Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, on 11 September. The republic lives on the Julian calendar, so the time in the country differs from the Gregorian calendar by seven years eight months.

This holiday usually falls on 11 September, but in a leap year it is celebrated on 12 September. The word "Enkutatash" translates as “gift of jewels”. There is a legend that the Ethiopian New Year was established by the Queen of Sheba: when she returned from Jerusalem, the Ethiopians greeted her with an offering of gifts. Her return is believed to be the beginning of a new era for Ethiopia.

Enkutatash also symbolises the end of the rainy season and the time of year when the country's fields are covered with bright yellow daisies called adei abeba.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, while wishing the people of the republic a Happy New Year, urged them to work together to tackle the challenges facing the nation and build a bright future.

“We can create a brighter future for Ethiopia,” he was quoted as saying by Fana Broadcasting Corporate, a partner of TV BRICS.

During the Enkutatash celebrations, Ethiopians dress in traditional attire and decorate their homes with yellow daisies. They also collect flowers and give them to their loved ones while singing New Year songs.

In addition, Ethiopians jump over a bonfire on this day. Fire is considered a symbol of sunshine, warmth and purification. The largest bonfire is built in the capital of the country, Addis Ababa, and it is lit personally by the head of state.

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