Ethiopian calendar

Why Is Ethiopia Still Living in 2017?

Ever wondered why Ethiopian New Year falls behind rest of the world? Dive into the quirky differences between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars!

When we think of calendars, the Gregorian calendar is the first one that comes to mind. But did you know that Ethiopia is living in a different time zone altogether? As the rest of the world celebrates the year 2024, Ethiopia is cheerfully ringing in the year 2017! The magic happens on September 11 or 12, when Ethiopia's New Year, known as Enkutatash, bursts into life. But what makes the Ethiopian calendar so unique? Let's break down four remarkable differences.

First and foremost, the Ethiopian calendar is based on a different calculation of the birth of Christ. While most of the world marks this event using the Gregorian calendar, the Ethiopians have their own timeline that resulted in a difference of about 7-8 years. So, if you’re planning to travel to Ethiopia anytime soon—don’t be surprised when you’re greeted with a big "Happy 2017!"

Secondly, the Ethiopian calendar consists of 13 months! Yes, you heard that right! There are 12 months of 30 days each, plus an additional month known as Pagumē, which has 5 days in common years and 6 days in leap years. This structure makes it distinct from the Gregorian calendar that includes 12 months of varying lengths.

Another quirky aspect is the way time is calculated. The Ethiopians use a 12-hour clock system that divides the day into two halves, where time starts counting from sunrise. So, if someone says it’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon in Ethiopia, you should actually think of it as 9 o’clock in the world! It’s all about that sun rising and setting on a different rhythm.

Moreover, despite these differences, both calendars are interesting reflections of how cultures can evolve their concept of time. It’s fascinating to see how different traditions and beliefs shape the way we count our days and years. And if you think about it, they both serve the same purpose: marking the passage of time while celebrating life’s milestones.

Next time you find yourself singing "Auld Lang Syne" in January while your Ethiopian friend is dancing to their local tunes in September, remember, it's all part of the beautiful mosaic of our diverse world! Plus, did you know that Ethiopia is home to some of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, with its own unique customs and practices still thriving today? Their calendar isn't just a time-keeping tool, it's a testament to their rich history!