Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year, History and Traditions
Enkutatash (እንቁጣጣሽ) is the official celebration of the Ethiopian New Year. Observed annually on September 11 (or September 12 during a leap year), Enkutatash marks the first day of Meskerem, the first month of the traditional Ethiopian calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year that occurs in the middle of winter, Enkutatash arrives at the end of the heavy rainy season (Kiremt). As dark clouds clear, warm sunshine returns, and the countryside bursts into bloom with bright yellow wild daisies known as Adey Abeba. Enkutatash is a time of spiritual renewal, family gatherings, songs, and rich culinary feasts.
As one of the most widely celebrated national holidays in the country, Enkutatash offers an intimate look into the country's ancient heritage. To see how the New Year connects with broader customs, music, and seasonal holidays, visit our comprehensive guide to
What Is Enkutatash? Meaning and Origins
The word Enkutatash stems from two Amharic words: Enku (meaning "jewel" or "gem") and Tatash (meaning "gift" or "to present"). Together, the name translates to "Gift of Jewels."
The origin of this name dates back roughly 3,000 years to the biblical account of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba. According to Ethiopian historical tradition recorded in the Kebra Nagast (The Glory of Kings), the Queen returned to Ethiopia after visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem. Upon her return, her army commanders and village elders welcomed her home by filling her treasury with precious jewels (Enku).
The Queen's return coincided with the end of the summer rains and the arrival of harvest season. Ever since, the period has been celebrated as a time of joy, renewal, and fresh beginnings.
The Historical and Seasonal Context of Enkutatash
Enkutatash sits at the intersection of history, agriculture, and faith in Ethiopia.
1. End of the Heavy Rains (Kiremt)
From June through August, the Ethiopian highlands experience continuous heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and cold weather. By early September, the rains taper off, leaving behind lush green landscapes, flowing streams, and fertile farmland ready for harvesting. Enkutatash celebrates this dramatic shift from dark rainy months to bright, sunny days.
2. The Blooming of Adey Abeba
The Adey Abeba (Bidens macroptera) is an endemic yellow wildflower that blooms for only about two to three weeks each year, starting precisely in September. Fields, roadsides, and hillsides across the highlands turn golden overnight. The flower has become the defining physical symbol of the Ethiopian New Year.
3. The Ethiopian Calendar System
Ethiopia follows its own ancient solar calendar derived from the Coptic calendar. It consists of 13 months: 12 months of 30 days each, followed by a 13th month called Pagume, which lasts 5 days (or 6 days in a leap year). Because of this unique calculation, the Ethiopian calendar is approximately seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Read our guide to the
Main Traditions and Customs of Enkutatash
Enkutatash celebrations begin on the eve of the holiday and continue through the day with distinct social rituals.
Chibo (New Year's Eve Bonfires)
On the eve of Enkutatash (September 10), families collect dry wooden sticks and tie them together to form tall torches called Chibo. As night falls, the family gathers in the courtyard or front yard to set the Chibo ablaze.
Family members sing traditional New Year songs and dance around the burning torch, wishing one another health and prosperity for the coming year. Lighting the fire symbolizes leaving behind the hardships of the past year and ushering in light and warmth.
Abebayehosh (Girls' Singing Traditions)
On New Year's morning, young girls dress in traditional white garments, gather bunches of fresh yellow Adey Abeba flowers, and form small groups. Playing a small drum called a kebero, they visit houses in their neighborhoods singing the traditional New Year carol known as "Abebayehosh".
The lyric "Abebayehosh lemlem" expresses wishes of blessing, peace, and abundance for the household. In appreciation, home owners give the girls freshly baked homemade bread (Mulmul), roasted grain (Kolo), or small monetary gifts.
Boys' Picture Drawings (Sael)
While girls go door-to-door singing, young boys draw colorful pictures of religious saints, angels, rural houses, or colorful flowers on paper. They walk around the neighborhood giving these hand-drawn pictures to elders and family friends, receiving small gifts or coins in return alongside heartfelt blessings for the New Year.
Ketema (Fresh Green Grass)
To prepare the home for Enkutatash, families sweep their floors and carpet living room spaces with fresh long green grass (Ketema). The grass brings the scent of nature inside and symbolizes fertility, fresh life, and welcoming good fortune.
Festive Foods and Culinary Celebrations
Enkutatash is a major feast day. After attending morning church services, families return home to break the traditional fasts with elaborate meals.
Key Holiday Dishes and Drinks
Doro Wat (Chicken Stew): The definitive holiday dish in Ethiopia. Prepared with tender chicken pieces, boiled eggs, slow-cooked onions, spiced butter (Niter Kibbeh), and rich red pepper paste (Berbere). Learn how this dish is made in our detailed
Doro Wat Guide Injera: The sourdough flatbread served as the base for all stews and dishes during the holiday feast. Discover how it is fermented and baked in our guide to
Injera Tibs: Sautéed strips of beef or lamb cooked with onions, garlic, rosemary, and green jalapeño peppers.
Tej and Tella: Traditional home-brewed beverages. Tej is a sweet honey wine, while Tella is a dark, fermented traditional beer brewed from barley and hops (Gesho). Explore the broader landscape of national cuisine in our complete guide to
Ethiopian Food
The New Year Coffee Ceremony
No Enkutatash celebration is complete without a multi-round coffee ceremony. Raw green coffee beans are washed, roasted over hot coals, ground by hand, and brewed in a clay pot called a Jebena. Frankincense smoke fills the air as three successive rounds of coffee (Abol, Tona, and Bereka) are served with popcorn and roasted barley. Explore every step of this process in our overview of the
Key Cultural Elements of Enkutatash
| Element | Amharic Name | Cultural Role & Meaning |
| Yellow Wildflower | Adey Abeba | Symbolizes the end of the rainy season, sunshine, and hope. |
| New Year Torch | Chibo | Lit on New Year's Eve to burn away old troubles and usher in light. |
| Girls' Carol | Abebayehosh | Door-to-door blessing song performed by young girls. |
| Fresh Green Grass | Ketema | Spread across living room floors to welcome fresh growth into the home. |
| Traditional Dress | Habesha Kemis | Woven white cotton garments worn by women and men. See details in |
How Enkutatash Relates to Other Ethiopian Festivals
Enkutatash marks the start of Ethiopia's autumn festival season.
Roughly 17 days after Enkutatash, the country celebrates
Practical Information for Visitors During Enkutatash
If you plan to travel to Ethiopia during mid-September, keep these practical points in mind:
Public Holidays & Closures: Enkutatash is an official public holiday. Government offices, banks, and many private businesses are closed on September 11 (or September 12 in leap years). Plan your currency exchanges and official business ahead of time.
New Year Greetings: You can greet locals by saying "Melkam Addis Amet!" (መልካም አዲስ ዓመት), which means "Happy New Year" in Amharic. Learn additional phrases in our guide to the
Amharic Language Travel Planning: Domestic flights and intercity buses get busy during the week before Enkutatash as people travel home to visit relatives. Book tickets well in advance using our
Ethiopia Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Enkutatash celebrated?
Enkutatash is celebrated on September 11 on the Gregorian calendar. In leap years (such as 2023 or 2027 on the Western calendar), it is celebrated on September 12.
What does "Enkutatash" mean in English?
It translates directly to "Gift of Jewels." The name references the jewels given to the Queen of Sheba upon her return from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem.
Is Enkutatash a religious or secular holiday?
It is both. While rooted in Christian Orthodox traditions and the church calendar, Enkutatash is celebrated across Ethiopia by people of all religious backgrounds as a national holiday marking the New Year.
Conclusion
Enkutatash represents far more than changing a calendar digit. It is a heartfelt celebration of nature's rebirth, ancient historical roots, and strong family ties. From the yellow Adey Abeba flowers blooming across green hills to the aromatic smoke of evening bonfires and roasted coffee, the Ethiopian New Year remains one of the country's most cherished cultural traditions.
