Is The Ethiopian Calendar In 2012

Is The Ethiopian Calendar In 2012

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As someone who has always been fascinated by different cultures and their traditions, one question that has always intrigued me is whether the Ethiopian calendar is really in 2012. After conducting extensive research and speaking to individuals from the country, I have come to a conclusion about this topic.

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 is based on the Coptic calendar, which was developed in Alexandria, Egypt. The calendar has 13 months, with 12 months having 30 days and the last month having 5 or 6 days. The Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11 or 12, depending on whether it is a leap year or not.

Is The Ethiopian Calendar Really In 2012?

The quick answer is no, the Ethiopian calendar is not really in 2012. This is because the calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which in turn is based on the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE and was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in most parts of the world in 1582. However, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian government continue to use the Julian calendar for religious and administrative purposes.

Therefore, although the year 2023 is recognized as such in most parts of the world, in Ethiopia, it is currently the year 2015.

Events and Festivals in “Is The Ethiopian Calendar In 2012”

Despite the difference in the calendar, Ethiopia still celebrates various events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) – celebrated on January 7
• Ethiopian Epiphany (Timket) – celebrated on January 19 or 20
• Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) – celebrated on September 11 or 12
• Ethiopian Easter (Fasika) – celebrated in April or May, depending on the calendar
• Irreecha – celebrated by the Oromo people to give thanks to God for the harvest, usually in September or October

Events and Festivals Celebration for “Is The Ethiopian Calendar In 2012”

One of the most exciting things about celebrating events and festivals in Ethiopia is the unique cultural experience that they offer. During Genna, for example, people gather in churches and sing Christmas carols. On Timket, there are processions where people carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant to nearby bodies of water. During Enkutatash, people wear new clothes and flowers and exchange gifts with their loved ones.

Irreecha is also a fascinating festival, as it involves a large gathering of people who come together to give thanks to God for the harvest. They dress in traditional clothing, sing and dance, and offer prayers to the spirits of the ancestors. It is a beautiful celebration of culture and community.

Question and Answer (FAQs) About “Is The Ethiopian Calendar In 2012”

Q: Why does Ethiopia use a different calendar?

A: Ethiopia uses the Julian calendar for religious and administrative purposes because it was introduced by the Coptic Church in Egypt, which has a strong influence on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Q: Is the Ethiopian calendar used anywhere else in the world?

A: The Ethiopian calendar is not widely used outside of Ethiopia and Eritrea. However, it is recognized by the United Nations as an official calendar.

Q: How do Ethiopians celebrate New Year?

A: Ethiopians celebrate New Year (Enkutatash) by wearing new clothes and flowers, exchanging gifts with loved ones, and attending church services.

Q: What is the significance of Irreecha?

A: Irreecha is a festival celebrated by the Oromo people to give thanks to God for the harvest. It is also a celebration of culture and community.

In conclusion, although the Ethiopian calendar may be different from the calendar used in most parts of the world, it still offers a rich cultural experience with its various events and festivals. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ethiopia or simply interested in learning more about different cultures, I hope this article has provided some insight into this topic.