Is today really the end of 2012? The answer is yes! this post will remind you that the concept of 'Time' is relative. We will use Ethiopia as our first example. Here are some facts about The Ethiopian Calendar: it is different to the Gregorian one in a number of ways.

The Ethiopian calendar is divided into 13 months not 12. The new year is on 11th September and 12th during a leap year, like this one in 2020. The Gregorian calendar is 7 to 8 years ahead of the Ethiopian one. Why is this? Time is relative, cultural and current. Different cultures count time in ways that are specific to their traditions. All time counting is dependent upon the celestial movements of stars, planets and natural satellites. Time keeping is also incorporated into traditional and contemporary spiritual and religious ritual practice.

For example the Yoruba new year begins at the beginning of June or on the day of the June Solstice. The Yoruba follow a 4 day week which is orientated to the phases of the moon and each day is associated with groups of Orisa, depending on various esoteric similarities.

Since Africa is the cradle of humanity, culture and civilisation, we find that the first written calendar was discovered in Kemet (ancient Egypt). The study of Time keeping is a fascinating subject. The concept of Time is a reminder to value your gift of life on earth. It is also a reminder to share your gifts and talents, which are unique to you, with the world. 

The Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) means the “gift of jewels” . Go ahead and do your research and share what this is referring to?

Enkutatash Happy Ethiopian New Year in a few hours...

#zeptepiearth

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