Ethiopia: The country in which now 2017 is now and the day begins at 1 hour in the morning – life

Ethiopia It uses a unique calendar system that is currently 2017 in them – which is seven to eight years less than in most other countries.

This difference is not accidental or a result, but a reflection of historical continuity, cultural autonomy and other computation of time reached into a deep past.

Calendar

The Ethiopian calendar is based on the old Alexandria, ie the Coptic Calendar, which has a biblical basis and is used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The year consists of 13 months – 12 months have exactly 30 days, while the last, thirteenth month called Pagumen, has 5 days, or 6 days in a leap year. This structure has brought an Ethiopia a well-known promotional phrase: « 13 months of sunny weather », which are invited to introduce her unique culture and nature.

Hours

Another interestingness that stands out Ethiopia is the way of counting day time. Unlike the western world that counts from midnight, in Ethiopia the day starts the moment the sun goes out. So 7 hours at our time actually 1 hour in the morning per etiopian clock. An hour after sunrise is the first hour of day, and counts up to 12. The same goes for evening hours – from sunset, and for the next 12 hours. This system, although unknown most foreigners, is fully functional in everyday life and is used in conversation, public institutions and media.

Year

Ethiopia, therefore, differs not only by time calculations but also in deep rooted understanding of time and history. Its calendar lags behind Gregorian because it counts Christ’s birth differently. According to Ethiopian chronology, Jesus Christ was born 7 to 8 years later than the Western tradition provides. This explains the difference in years – so, say, Gregorian 2025. Year in Ethiopia accounts as 2017. years.

The first day of the new year in Ethiopia is 11. September (or 12. September in leap years). The new year is called Enkutatash and symbolizes the renovation and start. It is a national holiday that is marked by song, joy and gifts, especially among children. The day is connected with the Christian tradition – it is believed to return to Ethiopia after Saba then after the Solomon’s visit.

And operators adjusted

Except for its calendar, Ethiopia is also known for that it has never been colonized (except for short Italian occupation), which further contributed to the preservation of authentic cultural and religious systems. It is interesting that even mobile operators in Ethiopia are tailored to the local time system – calls, messages and apps schedules function according to domestic time.

And while the world is increasingly difficult to unify and global standards, Ethiopia remains an example of how traditions, faith and historical self-treatment can be successfully preserved through time. In an era when everything works synchronized and fast, the Ethiopic mode of measuring time reminds of a different view of the world, which day is measured by the sun, and the year does not rush to reach the rest of the world.