Happy Ethiopian New Year 2012!!

Melkam Addis Ahmet to all of our Ethiopian friends and family!  Wishing you a wonderful day of celebration and God's blessings throughout 2012!  

The Ethiopian calendar is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar and the Ethiopian New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in the country. Every September, this special holiday marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year. As the sun comes out, yellow daisies bloom all over the mountains and the fields change into a bright yellow which is symbolic of the New Year.

The actual New Year day starts with the preparation of animals and traditional foods for the evening's meal and the blessing of a traditional baked bread while eating a special meal of injera and wot. The boys are busy painting pictures of flowers and angels, while groups of girls sing special songs clothed in beautiful cultural dresses. The children go door to door visiting neighbours and relatives in hopes they will receive a gift of money or traditional bread for their talents.

The day ends with families and friends gathering round to share a feast and traditional coffee ceremony, while bringing gifts of oven baked bread, bouquets of the seasonal flowers and well wishes and blessings on the upcoming year.