Ethiopian Calendar Months

Explore the Ethiopian Calendar Months

Discover the captivating rhythm of the Ethiopian calendar months – that flow with a distinct charm and rhythm found nowhere else in the world. Unlike the Gregorian calendar’s twelve months, the Ethiopia calendar boasts 13 months, each with its own story, meaning, and purpose. Step into the experience of time as it unfolds in Ethiopia, a country where the year holds an additional chapter—Pagumē.

In Ethiopia, each new year begins on Meskerem, a month that marks not just a new beginning but the start of a journey through months that weave tradition, culture, and time differently. Rooted in the ancient Ge’ez calendar, the Ethiopian calendar stands seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, offering a unique glimpse into a different era and perspective on time.

Each of the Ethiopian months has its own identity, enriched with customs and stories that resonate deeply with the Ethiopian people. Meskerem, Tekemet, Hidar, Tahsas, Tir, Yekatit, Megabit, Miazia, Ginbot, Sene, Hamle, Nehase, and Pagumē together paint a picture of a culture that embraces the seasons with a unique cadence.

13 Months of Ethiopian Calendar

Meskerem (September-October)
The month of Meskerem is a time for renewal. It’s the season of fresh starts, with a new year dawning amidst Ethiopia’s green landscapes after the rainy season. Often compared to spring, Meskerem is filled with optimism and symbolizes a fresh beginning.
Tekemet (October-November)
Tekemet marks the arrival of cooler temperatures, and Ethiopians begin to prepare for the harvest. It’s a reflective month where the community gathers for celebrations and to give thanks for the blessings of the land.
Hidar (November-December)
Hidar is a period of reverence, observed with significant religious ceremonies. The month carries a contemplative energy, leading to family gatherings and a warm sense of community.
Tahsas (December-January)
Tahsas brings the holiday spirit, and with it, the festive celebration of Genna, or Ethiopian Christmas. This month is steeped in joy, as friends and families unite to mark this special time.
Tir (January-February)
Tir ushers in a season of celebrations with Timkat, the Ethiopian Epiphany. This month is vibrant with parades, prayers, and the sound of music, as Ethiopians celebrate their faith and cultural heritage.
Yekatit (February-March)
Yekatit holds a reverent memory, often observed as a time to honor those who sacrificed for the country. It’s a month that combines reflection and resilience, with ceremonies that look toward the future with hope.
Megabit (March-April)
The month of Megabit witnesses the change from cool to warmer weather. It’s also a time for commemorations that hold great national importance, drawing Ethiopians together in unity.
Miazia (April-May)
Miazia is filled with warmth and joy, where families and communities celebrate together under Ethiopia’s bright skies. The blooming season brings a renewed energy to life.
Ginbot (May-June)
Ginbot signifies growth and strength. It’s a month of progress, with landscapes flourishing and communities embracing the promise of good days ahead.
Sene (June-July)
Sene, marking the start of the dry season, is when the rains begin to fade. It’s a reflective month, allowing communities to prepare for the upcoming months and savor the last touches of rain.
Hamle (July-August)
The height of the dry season, Hamle is filled with long, sunlit days. It is a time of endurance, yet also of celebration, as Ethiopian culture finds strength in every season.
Nehase (August-September)
Nehase brings the close of the year, a time to complete all that was started. People look forward to the New Year celebrations, tying up loose ends and preparing to welcome another journey through Meskerem.
Pagumē (September)
A truly unique aspect of the Ethiopia calendar 13 months, Pagumē is a short month of five or six days, a “leap month” that balances the year. Pagumē holds a mystical quality, marking a pause before the cycle begins anew.

Ethiopian Months in Cultural Rhythm

Ethiopian calendar months are more than just markers of time. They tell a story of a country that moves to its own rhythm, deeply rooted in tradition and the natural flow of the seasons. This unique calendar, a source of pride for Ethiopia, reflects the country’s rich heritage and its distinct place in the world.

In Ethiopia, time is not just measured but celebrated. Each month offers a meaningful reflection on life, unity, and continuity, with each Ethiopian month adding depth to a culture that cherishes the present while honoring the past. The Ethiopia calendar 13 months invites us all to see time through a different lens—one that is beautifully, uniquely Ethiopian.