Why Ethiopia’s Ancient Calendar is 7-8 Years Ahead of the Gregorian Calendar
Travel to Ethiopia, and you will notice a peculiar difference in the date on the calendar. Unlike the rest of the world, Ethiopia follows an ancient Coptic calendar that is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. What causes this disparity, and what is the Coptic calendar? This article explores the fascinating history and implications of Ethiopia’s unique calendar system.
Understanding the Coptic Calendar
The Coptic calendar, also known as the Alexandrian calendar, is a solar calendar that has been in use by the Coptic Orthodox Church and some other communities for over 1,700 years. It is closely based on the ancient Egyptian calendar, which in turn traces its roots back to the astronomical observations of the ancient Egyptians.
The Historical Origin of Ethiopia’s Coptic Calendar
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the late Roman Empire, a council of bishops from Egypt and Ethiopia collaborated to create a calendar that would align with the solar year. The resulting calendar was adopted by Ethiopia and has been in use ever since. This calendar has remained unchanged, preserving a rich cultural and religious heritage unique to Ethiopia.
Reasons for the 7-8 Year Lag
The primary reason for the 7-8 year disparity between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars is the way they handle leap years. The Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar globally, adds an extra day (February 29) every four years to adjust for the extra partial day in a solar year. However, the Coptic calendar does not adjust for leap years, which leads to a time lag over the years.
Impact on Daily Life in Ethiopia
This calendar difference has several impacts on Ethiopian society. For instance, the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) is celebrated on September 11 according to the Gregorian calendar, even though according to the Coptic calendar, it falls on September 11 of the previous year. This discrepancy can cause confusion, especially when organizing international events.
Religious Celebrations and Historical Events
Religious celebrations in Ethiopia are timed according to the Coptic calendar. This includes the major religious holidays like Christmas (Ufragmiyeh), which falls on January 7, and Easter (Meskel), celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21. These dates align with the Coptic calendar and are quite different from those celebrated in the Gregorian calendar.
Historical Significance
The use of the Coptic calendar in Ethiopia is deeply rooted in the country’s history and religious traditions. It connects contemporary Ethiopians to their rich historical and cultural heritage. For example, the Aksum Obelisk, one of the oldest and most famous ancient obelisks in the world, was built during the time when Ethiopia was adopting the Coptic calendar.
Conclusion
While the 7-8 year gap between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars may initially appear confusing, it is a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of Ethiopia. Understanding this unique system can provide valuable insights into the country’s traditions and profound connections to ancient times.