Why is Ethiopia's Calendar 7 Years Behind the World?

Discover why Ethiopia's unique calendar is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar and how it impacts their New Year.

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Ethiopia follows a unique calendar system called the Ethiopian calendar, which is approximately 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar commonly used globally. This difference arises because the Ethiopian calendar has 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month called Pagumē, consisting of 5 or 6 days. Additionally, the Ethiopian New Year starts on September 11 or September 12 in a leap year, contributing to this time discrepancy.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the Ethiopian calendar? The Ethiopian calendar is a unique system with 13 months, including a special 13th month called Pagumē.
  2. Why does Ethiopia celebrate its New Year in September? Ethiopia celebrates its New Year on September 11 or September 12 during a leap year, marking a significant cultural event.
  3. How does the Ethiopian calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar? The Ethiopian calendar is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar due to differences in month lengths and the calculation of leap years.
  4. What impact does the calendar difference have on Ethiopian culture? The calendar difference influences Ethiopian cultural practices, celebrations, and daily activities, reflecting their unique identity.