Today is the Ethiopian New Year, called Enkutatash (en-koo-TAH-tash). I thought I would give a little history/culture lesson today since we don't have any new info while we're waiting for our babies.
Most of Ethiopia still follows the Orthodox Julian calendar. Unlike the Western or Gregorian calendar, the Julian year has 12 months of 30 days each and an additional 13th month with 5 or 6 days (depending on Leap Year).
Meskerem is the first month of the Ethiopian year. The first day of Meskerem, New Year’s Day, falls on our September 11 this year. Ethiopian New Year is a time to express hopes and dreams for the future.
Enkutatash marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia, when fields bloom and the spring begins. The literal meaning of Enkutatash is the “gift of jewels”. This is in reference to the gifts the Queen of Sheba received after her expensive journey to visit King Solomon in Jerusalem. The first day of Meskerem also marks the commemoration of Saint John the Baptist.
In Ethiopia, people celebrate New Year by placing flaming torches of dry leaves and wood in front of their houses on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, the people attend church, dressed in traditional Ethiopian attire. Historically, people would send flowers to mark the occasion, but greeting cards have become more popular. Villagers celebrate with singing and dancing.
Lucas and I plan to celebrate this holiday once our children are here. Creating new traditions with family is something we've always been excited about. So, if you get yellow flowers on September 11th from us, know that we're including you in the celebration. At the end of the rainy season and on New Year's day, yellow daisies bloom across the wild fields surrounding Addis Ababa called Yadey Abeba, identical to our Tickseed Sunflower.
We'll also go out for ET food, as most restaurants will stay open late for feasts and dancing.
On the 10th anniversary of the terrible events that happened at the Twin Towers, although we'll never forget, we're now ready to embrace and celebrate a new culture that will be a part of us very soon.
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