Ethiopia

(CNN) Ethiopians rejoice the top of 1 yr and the start of the subsequent on September 11.

Nevertheless, in response to the Ethiopian calendar, 2017 is the brand new yr that shall be celebrated subsequent September.

Why is Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa, seven years and eight months behind many different international locations on this planet?

The reply lies in centuries-old traditions and a powerful nationwide id.

calendar itself

In Ethiopia, the start yr of Jesus Christ is acknowledged to be seven to eight years later than the Gregorian calendar, or Western calendar, which was launched by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.

In accordance with consultants, the Roman Church modified its calculation to 500 AD, whereas the Ethiopian Orthodox Church accepted the outdated date.

Though many different international locations on this planet have adopted the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has its personal calendar.

“We’re distinctive,” says the CEO of an Ethiopian journey firm. “We’ve by no means been colonized and have our personal calendar, alphabet and cultural traditions.”

The Ethiopian calendar, which is believed to this point again at the very least 1,500 years, is similar to the Coptic calendar of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which relies in Egypt.

In accordance with the cycles of the solar and the moon, there are 13 months in a yr, with 12 of those lasting 30 days every. Final month has solely 5 days, and leap years have 6 days.

Vacationers visiting Ethiopia are sometimes baffled to search out they’ve “traveled again in time” and plenty of share their amazement on social media.

Worldwide firms and colleges primarily based within the nation are likely to undertake the Gregorian calendar, forcing many Ethiopians to make use of the normal Ethiopian calendar and the Western calendar.

One thing so simple as making use of for a start certificates may cause issues when making an attempt to combine the Ethiopian and Western calendars.

date confusion

A historian specializing in medieval European and African historical past says that when a baby turns three years outdated and applies for a start certificates from a metropolis or native authorities, he publishes it in response to the Ethiopian calendar, after which the particular person in cost turns the method appropriately He says that he should consider that he’ll give it to him.

As a result of birthdays can double or triple as a result of sure variables.

12 hour system

Ethiopia follows a 12-hour clock beginning at 1am/Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Company/Getty Photos

Not like most international locations, the place the day begins at midnight, Ethiopia follows a 12-hour clock, beginning at 1am.

In different phrases, what most individuals outdoors the nation contemplate 7 am is taken into account 1 am in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian photographer explains that this can be a reflection of life in Ethiopia. This concept makes extra sense as a result of Ethiopia is near the equator and has very fixed daytime.

Naturally, this may be complicated, particularly for vacationers visiting Ethiopia.

When arranging a gathering with a customer from overseas, the photographer at all times makes it clear whether or not it’s Ethiopian time or Western time. ‘Have a look.”

“After I purchase a airplane ticket, the airline makes use of the Western calendar, so I verify it three or 4 instances to ensure I perceive that it’s Ethiopian time. “