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April 2025

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Understanding the Ethiopian Calendar

When discussing calendars around the world, one might immediately think of the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in many countries today. However, Ethiopia has its own distinct calendar system, rich in history and cultural significance. The Ethiopian calendar, known as the Ge’ez calendar, not only marks the passage of time but also reflects the deep cultural and religious traditions of the Ethiopian people.

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Tall, intricately carved Axum obelisk with detailed architectural features and vertical grooves simulating windows and doors

Doro wot : Spicy Ethiopian Cuisine

Doro Wat is one of the most famous of all African dishes. You will find it in every Ethiopian restaurant and virtually anyone who is familiar with African cuisine will have heard of it. Another version, though not as commonly known here, is Sega Wat, made with beef (fyi, you’ll find recipes online calling it Sik Sik Wat, but I’ve confirmed with the chefs of several Ethiopian restaurants that it’s Sega Wat).
Doro Wot has deep roots in Ethiopian history and culture. As part of the country’s diverse and ancient culinary traditions, this dish is often reserved for festive gatherings, religious holidays, and significant celebrations.

Beautiful Ethiopian girls

Ethiopian traditional clothing

The Habesha Kemis is a quintessential Ethiopian dress for women, especially among the Amhara and Tigray communities. Crafted from shemma, a handwoven cotton fabric, this long, snow-white gown often features intricate embroidery known as tibeb along the borders and sleeves. The ensemble is typically complemented by a netela, a delicate shawl made from cotton, draped gracefully over the shoulders.
Ethiopian traditional clothing serves as a tangible link to the past, preserving the stories, values, and identities of its diverse communities. Efforts to maintain and promote traditional weaving techniques...

Ethiopian Holidays

Enkutatash (New Year)

Sep 11

Ethiopia Flag
Enkutatash (New Year)

Marks the Ethiopian New Year and symbolizes renewal and the end of the rainy season. Celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and children's songs.

Genna (Christmas)

Jan 7

Genna (Christmas)

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Traditions include midnight church services, fasting, feasting, and the traditional Genna game.

Timkat (Epiphany)

Jan 19

Timkat (Epiphany)

Commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Celebrated with grand processions, water blessings, and festive meals.

Meskel (Cross)

Sep 27

Meskel (Cross)

Celebrates the discovery of the True Cross by Empress Helena. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of the Demera bonfire.

Fasika (Easter)

Apr 20

Fasika (Easter)

Marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Observed with fasting, Holy Week services, midnight vigils, and a grand feast.

Eid al-Fitr

Apr 10

Eid al-Fitr

Celebrates the end of Ramadan with communal prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.

Eid al-Adha

Mar 30

Eid al-Adha

Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. Marked by prayer services and the ritual sacrifice of animals.

Mawlid

Sep 15

Mawlid

Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad with religious gatherings, poetry recitations, and community feasts.

Tall, intricately carved Axum obelisk with detailed architectural features and vertical grooves simulating windows and doors

Axum: Mysterious Megalithic Towering Obelisks In Ethiopia

The Aksumite Empire, which existed from about 100 to 940 AD and had its height about 1st century AD, was a place of commerce and participated in trade contacts between the Roman Empire and ancient India.
By 300 BCE, the Kingdom of Axum was born—a rich trading nation with a foot on both sides of the Red Sea, routes to Egypt both inland and by the Red Sea, and trails to the south, where valuable commodities could be obtained. Axum's obelisk- a false door. Image credit: jammingglobal.com The Axumites spoke a Semitic language similar to the liturgical language of Ge'ez, which they originally wrote in a Sabaean script; they worshipped many gods with Sabaean names, also identified with Greek gods, and they minted coins. "
In her book Ethiopia - Culture Smart: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture, Sarah Howard writes:

"...Signs of the first civilization in the area appeared halfway through the first millennium BCE. The stone palaces and buildings at Yeha, twenty miles north of Axum, along with numerous other sites,"