The Egyptian and Julian calendars, which missionaries introduced to Ethiopia, are the foundation of the Ethiopian calendar. A thirteenth month (Pagume) with five or six timekeeping days is added to the 12 months of 30 days that make up the Ethiopian year. This indicates that the Gregorian calendar, which is used by the majority of the globe, is currently seven years and eight months behind Ethiopia.
Enkutatash translates to “jewellery gift.” Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba brought diamonds back from her renowned visit to King Solomon of Jerusalem some 3,000 years ago. After receiving this gift, she returned to Ethiopia just in time for the New Year celebration in September, which is how the name Enkutatash came to be. The Ethiopian calendar, which Roman Emperor Augustus adapted to the Julian calendar in 25 BC, is also said to be the basis for the festival. The date roughly corresponds to the conclusion of the rainy season, and Ethiopians think that September has a number of signals that justify its celebration as the beginning of a new year. It is a season of budding flowers, sunny days, and generally agreeable weather, as well as one that enables people to put the months of rain, fog, and thunder behind and go on to happier times. The fact that the quantity of daylight and nighttime hours coincide exactly once in September is another reason Ethiopians celebrate the New Year during this month.
