Ethiopian Calendar Guide
Ethiopia follows a 13-month calendar that differs from the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. Learn how it works and why.
Overview
The Ethiopian calendar, also called the Ge'ez calendar, is an ancient system still officially used in Ethiopia. It is based on the Coptic calendar and places Ethiopia approximately 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar.
- Total days per year: 365 days (366 in leap years)
- Number of months: 13 (12 regular + 1 short month)
- Regular month length: 30 days each
- 13th month (Pagume): 5 days (6 in leap years)
- Year difference: +7 or +8 years compared to Gregorian
The 13 Months
| Ge'ez | English Name | Gregorian Equivalent | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| መስከረም | Meskerem | Sept 11 – Oct 10 | 30 |
| ጥቅምት | Tikimt | Oct 11 – Nov 9 | 30 |
| ህዳር | Hidar | Nov 10 – Dec 9 | 30 |
| ታህሳስ | Tahsas | Dec 10 – Jan 8 | 30 |
| ጥር | Tir | Jan 9 – Feb 7 | 30 |
| የካቲት | Yekatit | Feb 8 – Mar 9 | 30 |
| መጋቢት | Megabit | Mar 10 – Apr 8 | 30 |
| ሚያዚያ | Miazia | Apr 9 – May 8 | 30 |
| ግንቦት | Ginbot | May 9 – Jun 7 | 30 |
| ሰኔ | Sene | Jun 8 – Jul 7 | 30 |
| ሐምሌ | Hamle | Jul 8 – Aug 6 | 30 |
| ነሐሴ | Nehase | Aug 7 – Sep 5 | 30 |
| ጳጉሜ | Pagume | Sep 6 – Sep 10 | 5/6 |
Key Differences from Gregorian
Ethiopian Calendar
- 13 months total
- 12 months = 30 days each
- 1 month (Pagume) = 5-6 days
- Simple structure
- ~7-8 years behind Gregorian
Gregorian Calendar
- 12 months total
- Months vary from 28-31 days
- Complex leap year rules
- Irregularly structured
- International standard
Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash)
Ethiopian New Year, called Enkutatash (እንቁታታሽ), is celebrated on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar (September 12 in a Gregorian leap year).
It marks the beginning of the month of Meskerem and is a major national holiday. Ethiopians traditionally celebrate with new clothes, gifts of flowers, and festive gatherings with family and friends.
The Ethiopian New Year 2016 (Gregorian year 2024) is celebrated as Enkutatash on September 11, 2024.
Pagume: The 13th Month
Pagume (ጳጉሜ) is the 13th and shortest month of the Ethiopian year. It contains only 5 days in a regular year and 6 days in a leap year, occurring at the end of August and beginning of September in the Gregorian calendar.
In religious contexts, this month is sometimes called "the month of fasting" as it falls during a traditional fasting period in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Historical Context
The Ethiopian calendar originates from the ancient Coptic calendar and has been in use since the Axumite Empire. The 7-8 year difference from the Gregorian calendar stems from a different calculation of the Annunciation of Jesus Christ by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church compared to Western Christian traditions.
While modern Ethiopia uses the Gregorian calendar for international business and communications, the Ethiopian calendar remains the official calendar and is used for religious observances, traditional celebrations, and in many official documents.
Practical Tips
- For travelers: Be aware that official documents and government dates may use the Ethiopian calendar
- For business: Always confirm which calendar is being used in contracts and agreements
- For communication: When scheduling with Ethiopians, clarify which calendar you're using
- For diaspora: Understanding both calendars helps you stay connected to Ethiopian culture and traditions