Come September, we here in India get ready for Dussera, Diwali and more. See what Ethiopians are celebrating at that time of the year.
Enkutatash: Celebrating New Year 7 years later
Ethiopians celebrate Enkutatash, their New Year in September, but with a difference. They usher their new year 7.8 years later!
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the ancient Coptic calendar. They are 7.8 years behind the ‘Gregorian’ calendar (the Western calendar). Their year consists of 12 months of 30 days and a 13th month that has just 5 or 6 days depending on whether it’s a leap year or not.
Legend has it that when the Queen of Sheba or ‘Makeda’ as she was called by the Ethiopians returned to her kingdom after visiting King Solomon, she was greeted with much festivities and her treasury was filled with ‘inku’ or jewels. Enkutatash therefore means 'Gift of Jewels'.
Enkutatash follows a period of heavy rains. The countryside is bursting with greenery and Meskal daisies bloom in plenty. This holiday is especially enjoyed by kids who in large groups visit friends and sing songs drumming on the traditional kabero. A special drink Tella is prepared for the occasion and a bread Dabo, made from wheat are some of the treats that are served for the occasion.
Meskel: Finding of the True Cross
Another religious festival celebrated in mid September, has its roots during the rule of Queen Helena. The queen’s prayers were answered and she was directed to the spot where the cross was buried. On digging the earth, she found 3 crosses of which one was the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. Queen Helena is said to have given a piece of the cross to several churches. It is believed that the Ethiopian Church has hidden its piece in the Gisham Mariam monastery.
Ethiopians celebrate Meskel by participating in a huge bonfire, Demera. People bring their torches called Chibbo and toss them in the bonfire. The day following the festivities, people make the mark of a cross on their foreheads using the ash from the bonfire.
These two are the big celebrations of Ethiopia much like how we all look forward to Diwali every year. Even though their calendar is bit behind the Gregorian calendar, there is no dearth of fun during these big events.
