Happy Orthodox (Ge’ez) New Year
One old calendar, three names: Enkutatash, Nayrouz, and Kidus Yohannes
On 11 September, people in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Egypt celebrate the Orthodox New Year. In Eritrea it is called Ge’ez New Year or Kidus Yohannes. In Ethiopia it is called Enkutatash. In Egypt it is called Nayrouz. The day comes from the old Coptic calendar of Egypt.
Where the calendar comes from
The Ge’ez calendar grew from the Coptic Egyptian calendar. That calendar has twelve months of 30 days and a short extra month. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, and the Egyptian (Coptic) Orthodox Church all use this system. New Year falls on the first day of Meskerem in the Ge’ez calendar and the first day of Thout in the Coptic calendar. In most years that day is 11 September.
How Eritrea keeps the day
The feast is important for culture and faith. Churches hold special services in Asmara and across the country. One custom is to light candles and walk over them three times. Families meet, light wood fires, and share a meal.
Old calendar and new calendar
After independence in 1993, Eritrea began to use the Gregorian calendar for official work. Christmas, Easter, and Ge’ez New Year are still kept by the Ge’ez calendar.
The meaning of the names
Enkutatash means “gift of jewels” in Ethiopia. Nayrouz marks the Coptic New Year in Egypt and also remembers the martyrs. Kidus Yohannes means St. John. Different names, same New Year. Happy Orthodox (Ge’ez) New Year.