Enkutatash
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| Enkutatash | |
| Also called | Gift of Jewels |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Ethiopia |
| Type | National |
| Significance | First day of the Ethiopian year |
| Date | Meskerem 1 |
| 2008 date | September 12 |
Enkutatash is the first day of the New Year in Ethiopia. It occurs on Meskerem 1 on the Ethiopian calendar, which is September 11 (or, during a leap year, September 12) according to the Gregorian calendar.
Literally, Enkutatash means 'Gift of Jewels'. The date traditionally marks the end of the season of heavy rains and is more recently or historically set by the return of the Queen of Sheba to Ethiopia after her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem.
The largest religious celebrations are at the Kostete Yohannes church in the city of Gaynt in Begemder and at the Ragual Church on Entoto mountain. Rasta Ites website (ref accessed Meskerem 1st 2000)
In 2007 on the Gregorian calendar, it became 2000 on the Ethiopian calendar.
