Today is the New Year for Ethiopians. The unique thing about Ethiopian traditions and calendar observances, is how closely aligned they are with Judaism. Even a cursory knowledge of biblical history, calls to mind the great union between the titular heads of Ethiopian and Israel. Essentially, what began as a diplomatic interaction to negotiate political and economic trade concerns has subsequently been translated by a number of cultures and peoples into a great love story. I am speaking of the relationship between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, known in Amharic as Makeda.
There are of course many historical, political, and biblical complexities that led to the divergence of Judaism and Christianity in Ethiopia. I am not an authority, but direct individuals interested in exploring the topic further to check out the BBC History – The Queen of Sheba; or to explore the wealth of information and history presented by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, African Christianity in Ethiopia.
For me, the affinity that I have for Ethiopian people, culture, language and cuisine is inexplicable. I am often mistaken as Ethiopian, since I bare a resemblance to people from the horn of Africa. I cherish my relationships with my Ethiopian friends, and I am grateful that they have opened their hearts and communities to me. So, when a friend from Addis Ababa sent me the picture above, I couldn’t help but post it. This is a highly spiritual time for Ethiopian Christians and Jews alike. A time where we can through fasting and prayer, grow closer to Hashem, repent of our sins, and go forth into the New Year renewed.
For Jews, Rosh Hashana, literally “Head of the New Year” will be celebrated on sundown of September 18, 2009 on the Gregorian Calendar. In terms of the Hebrew calendar, Rosh Hashana, ראש השנה will occur on the 1st of Tishrei in the year 5770. For those of you interested in converting Gregorian calendar dates into their Hebrew equivalent check out Hebcal.com.
For my readers who are interested in converting Gregorian calendar dates into their Ethiopian calendar equivalent, also check out Mtesfaye.net.
Filed under: Ethiopia , Africa, African Christianity, African Christianity in Ethiopia, Amharic, Art, Beta-Israel, Christianity, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Calendar, Ethiopian Millenium, Ethiopian Music Video, Ethiopian New Year eCard, Ethiopian New Year Postcard, Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, Ethiopian Songs, Gossaye Tesfaye, Hebrew Calendar, Interfaith Issues, Islam, Jewish Calendar, Lunar Calendars, Makeda, Memoir Shorts, Music, New Year, Personal Experiences, Queen of Sheba, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wegen Tesebseb
Thank you for sharing this. I was having a difficult time explaining to my non Gregorian calendar friends why it is New Year. Please checkout our blog! http://www.habeshadiaspora.wordpress.com
Thanks!
Liya
Very interesting!!!! I enjoyed the read and blessings & abundance to you.
Love ya
I am from Ethiopia, living in the Bay Area,CA. this is a very nice and touching picture. if you were boren and raised there it could give you special felling. thanks.
Shalom.
Just trying.
Great stuff! I learned something new today. : )
Happy New Year to You!
Reading this brings joyous memories of new millennium celebrations in 2007.
Perhaps i share in your inexplicable affinity. Have you seen the film “Falashas-the Exile of the Black Jews?”
Yene Konjit:
I have never seen the film “Falashas the Exile of the Black Jews”. I have seen “Live and Become”, which I believe is an equally interesting and challenging story about Ethiopian Jewry. I wanted to write this brief note to let you know that I did receive your comment, and how much I appreciate you reading and supporting my blog. As you know, this has been a really busy time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, but at last, I am writing to thank all of the people who continue to make me a success by following my blog. I pray for your continued success, health and happiness.
Be well,
Ayanna
Wonderful post. Thank you!
http://www.theprettyproject.com
Thank you so much for sharing – I love learning something new and this was greatly informative. Peace
Claudia Morgan
Very interesting!!!! Great stuff! Thank you for sharing this.
May All Beings Be Happy.
That was quite informative and interesting.. I didn’t know Ethiopia had a separate calendar..
Nice… Beautiful article, God Bless Ethiopian Christians and Jews worldwide..
My Ethiopian friends will be delighted to see this post. Thanks for sharing it.
I love how you speak of HaShem as the G-d of Jews and real Christians. I’m the only non Tigirinya speaking congregant in a church of immigrants (the brothers are mostly Eritrean, the sisters Ethiopian) in Malta – such faith and love.
Baruch HaShem to all and happy new year!
Steve,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I apologize for the late reply, but I have been balancing the religious holidays, my day job, writing and my mommy job. Your thoughtful words are appreciated and I definitely loved the shout out all the way from Malta.
Be well,
Ayanna