THIS Country Follows A 13-Month Calender; 7 Unique Things To Know
(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) Ethiopia follows a unique 13-month calendar known as the Ethiopian calendar or Ge'ez calendar. It differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar, with its own unique structure and cultural significance. Here's an exploration of seven distinctive aspects of this calendar system
![THIS Country follows a 13-month calender; 7 unique things to know]()
Ethiopia uses a distinct 13-month calendar, the Ethiopian or Ge'ez calendar, featuring unique features traditions. Explore 7 fascinating aspects of this unique timekeeping system
![Structure and Months]()
The Ethiopian calendar consists of 12 months with 30 days each, an additional month, Pagumē, which has 5 or 6 days depending on whether it's leap year
![New Year Celebration]()
Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11th or 12th in Gregorian calendar. This marks start of new year, is celebrated with traditional music, dances
![Leap Year Cycle]()
Ethiopian leap years occur every four years, similar to Gregorian system. However, additional day is added to Pagumē, making it 6-day month in leap years, unlike Gregorian February
![Calendar Alignment]()
The Ethiopian calendar is approximately 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. For instance, while it's 2024 in the Gregorian calendar, it's 2016 in Ethiopia
![Religious Significance]()
The calendar has deep religious significance, particularly in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Major religious festivals such as Timkat and Meskel are determined by this calendar
![Unique Week Structure]()
The Ethiopian week has 7 days, but each day is named differently from Gregorian calendar. For instance, Sunday is called "Be'alu" (First Day), Saturday is "Kidane Meheret"
![Historical Origins]()
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which itself is derived from the ancient Egyptian calendar. It reflects Ethiopia's long historical and cultural heritage
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