Ethiopian Years *Months* Days* Hours*
The Ethiopian months follow the Julian ( from
julius-"moon") Calendar. The ethiopian calendar is eight years
behind the Western/Gregorian calendar. Thirteen months,
each
month divided equally into thirty days, the last month being the 5
remaining days or 6
days on leap years. The Ehtiopian way of counting time is also unique: The first cycle starts with "one" at 7 A.M.
and goes on to
"twelve" at 6 P.M. The second cycle starts at 7 P.M. with "one" and
goes on to 6 A.M. at "twelve." [from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_calendar
] The dates listed on this page are of
the Gregorian calendar, unless otherwise noted.
DOWNLOAD : Ethiopica
Calendar is a
perpetual Ethiopian calendar tool written in Java. It features
Gregorian/Ethiopian dates and display in Ethiopic Numerals, Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahdo major fast and feast dates (moving and fixed) &
tabots.
September : Meskerem This is the first month
in the Ethiopian calendar. Meskerem (New Year) is celebrated on the
11th ( or the 12th if it's a leap year) . There is also
Meskel ( celebration of the cross) on September 28th.
November :
Hedar On November 27 1879, the capital was founded
by Emperor Menelik and Empress Taitu. It was the Empress who came up
with the name "Addis Abeba", meaning "new flower" in Amharic.
December :
Tahesas Kulubi, the feast of St. Gabriel, is
celebrated in Tahesas. On December 28 (Dec 19 Ethiopian
calendar). It is undoubtedly the most revered pilgramage of all
the holy sites in Ethiopia.
January : Tir Melkam Genna! ( "Happy Christmas"!) Like many orthodox religions, Ethiopians have Christmas on Jan 7, which is actually December 29 by the Ethiopian calendar. The alternate way of marking the birth of christ is Lidet. Timkat (the Epiphany) is one of the biggest events in the Ethiopian calendar. Click on the image for this month to see beautiful photos of this holiday.
February : Yekatit Kedane
Meheret ( Gospel of Mercy to St. Mary), February 16th in the Ethiopian
calendar, signifies when Mary took her vows. On this day, people
bake bread that is shared with the poor and worshipers say special
prayers.
March : Megabit The Ethiopian victory at Adwa is commemorated on March 2. Under the leadership of Emperor Menelik, the Italians were driven out of Northern Ethiopia after the decisive battle of Adwa on March 2, 1896.
April :
Miyaza Fasika ( Easter), is typically
celebrated in April, though this holiday can occur anywhere from late
March to early May. Fasika is considered the biggest holiday, even
larger than Genna (Christmas).
May : Genbot On May 5, Patriots Victory Day is observed as a public holiday. This is in commemoration of the end of the Italian occupation ( 1935-1941).
June :
Senae On the 23rd of this month, King Solomon
died ( year unknown). The ancient city of Axum is known
for being the palace of Queen Sheba and the site for the reputed arc of
the covenant.
July :
Hamle The birthday of HIM ( His Imperial Majesty Haile
Sellassie) is on July 23rd. During his reign (1930-1974), his
birthday was a national holiday. HIM was the last of nine siblings, all
of which died at birth.
HIM Web
biography pages.
August :
Nehase Buhe is celebrated on August
19. Boys come to homes and sings jovial traditional songs. They
are given small bread rolls as reward for their 'trouble' made
especially for this occassion.
The 13th Month: Pyogeme