- Ethiopian New Year is celebrated each 11 of September, a day of various connotations in the world
The 11 September is not a simple date on the calendar, has a strong weight in large sectors of the globe.
Without going further, on this side he is remembered for the fateful events of 1973 that led to a bloody dictatorship whose effects persist to this day. Our respects to all victims and their families.
It is also related to one of the most symbolic events of recent times, the attack - or self-attack as some think- against the twin towers, which marked the beginning of a new onslaught by the gringos against "international terrorism".
But not all are unfortunate events, there are others who host immense joy and celebrations. And it is that in Africa, specifically in the east of the continent, in ethiopia, the 11 September the new year is celebrated with the Enkutatash.
Ethiopia is a spatial case. He still keeps his old calendar - called Ge'ez-, based on the Alexandrine or the Coptic, which is seven years younger than the Gregorian we use in the West, that is to say, Ethiopians "just" are celebrating today the arrival of 2010.
According to tradition, the festival of Enkutatash - literally "Gift of Jewels" in Amharic- dates back to the time of the Queen of Sheba, after returning from his visit to King Solomon of Israel, to the one who gave 120 golden talents (4,5 tons), as well as a host of unique spices and jewelry, as mentioned in the bible. The date also coincides with the end of the rainiest months of the year in that country, giving way to the flowery meadows full of Meskal flowers, a kind of golden daisies.
When the Queen returned to Ethiopia (and the current Yemen, which was also part of their domains) her bosses welcomed her with precious jewels to replenish their treasure. It is from there that the Enkutatash arises and is celebrated.
It is worth mentioning that on the occasion of this date, In Chile the Rastafari community has organized its celebrations as every year at the Nyahbinghi Center in Pirque, with songs and praises in commemoration and celebration of this date, in addition to a space for reasoning about the Dictatorship and its consequences in society.
From this little space, in this 1 Meskerem's 2010, we greet everyone, we wish a Melkam Addis Amet! (Happy New Year, in Amharic).
NEW YEAR'S SPEECH
“As we contemplate the Ethiopian New Year of 1958, We cannot help but thank Almighty God for the many blessings he has bestowed on us and the Ethiopian people during the year that has just passed.. Nor can we avoid thinking about the problems faced and overcome, those existing in the present and those who anticipate man in his constant march forward in search of peace, progress and prosperity.
(…) Ethiopia will continue to support the campaign to end colonialism and will continue to do so until all oppressed territories in Africa and elsewhere, breathe the pure air of freedom and independence.
(…) It is our wish for the new year, may the Ethiopian people continue to advance on their march; peace be restored in areas affected by conflict; and may the Almighty continue to bless our efforts in creating a better life for our people and for all the peoples of the world”.
New Years Address by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I Jah Rastafari (11 September 1965).
