Introduction
For those who are not familiar with the Ethiopian calendar, it is a calendar that is based on the Coptic calendar, which was created by the Egyptians over 2000 years ago. The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months, and the year starts on September 11 or 12 (depending on the leap year), which is roughly 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar. This means that while the rest of the world is celebrating the start of 2024 on January 1st, Ethiopians will be celebrating the start of 2017.
Why Convert Gregorian Calendar to Ethiopian Calendar?
There are many reasons why one would want to convert the Gregorian calendar to the Ethiopian calendar. Firstly, if you have Ethiopian friends or family, it would be useful to know their calendar so that you can celebrate their special occasions with them. Secondly, if you are planning to visit Ethiopia, it would be beneficial to know their calendar so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Lastly, if you are interested in Ethiopian culture and history, it would be fascinating to learn about their unique calendar system.
How to Convert Gregorian Calendar to Ethiopian Calendar?
Converting the Gregorian calendar to the Ethiopian calendar is not as complicated as it may seem. All you need is a conversion table or calculator, which can easily be found online. Alternatively, you can also use the following formula:
Ethiopian Year = Gregorian Year + 8 Years + 1 Day
For example, to convert January 1, 2024, to the Ethiopian calendar, you would add 8 years and 1 day to the date. The result would be the first day of the Ethiopian year 2017, which falls on September 12, 2024.
Question and Answer
Q: Why does the Ethiopian calendar have 13 months?
A: The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months because it includes a month of 5 or 6 days, known as the “Pagume” month, which is added at the end of the year to make up for the difference between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars.
Q: How do Ethiopians celebrate their New Year?
A: Ethiopians celebrate their New Year with a three-day festival called “Enkutatash,” which means “gift of jewels” in Amharic. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and the exchanging of gifts and flowers.
Conclusion
Converting the Gregorian calendar to the Ethiopian calendar is a simple process that can be done using a conversion table or calculator. Knowing the Ethiopian calendar can be useful in many ways, whether it is for personal, cultural, or travel-related reasons. So, why not take the time to learn about this fascinating calendar system?