Introduction

May 20, 2024, is a special day in the Ethiopian calendar. It is a day that marks the end of the fasting season and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. In this article, we will explore the significance of May 20 in the Ethiopian calendar and learn more about the traditions and customs associated with this day.

What is the Ethiopian Calendar?

The Ethiopian calendar is a solar calendar that is used in Ethiopia and is based on the Coptic calendar. It has 13 months and is 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar. The Ethiopian New Year starts on September 11, and the months are named after the saints of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Question: Why is the Ethiopian calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?

Answer: The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which is older than the Gregorian calendar and has a different calculation of leap years.

The Fasting Season

The fasting season in Ethiopia is a period of 55 days when people abstain from eating meat and dairy products. It is a time of spiritual reflection and purification, and many people also fast from sunrise to sunset. The fasting season ends on May 20, which is known as Fasika.

Question: Why do people fast during the fasting season?

Answer: People fast to purify their bodies and minds and to prepare for the celebration of Easter.

Fasika

Fasika is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Easter. It is a time of great joy and is celebrated with family and friends. On the night of May 19, people attend a church service that lasts until the early hours of May 20. They then break their fast with a special meal that includes injera, a traditional Ethiopian bread, and doro wat, a spicy chicken stew.

Question: What is the significance of the Fasika celebration?

Answer: Fasika is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the most important holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The Traditions of Fasika

There are many traditions associated with Fasika. One of them is the washing of feet, where family members wash each other’s feet as a sign of humility and love. Another tradition is the lighting of candles, which symbolizes the light of Christ. People also wear new clothes and exchange gifts during the celebration.

Question: What is the significance of washing feet during Fasika?

Answer: Washing feet is a symbol of humility and love, and it is a way of showing respect to others.

The Importance of May 20

May 20 is an important day in the Ethiopian calendar because it marks the end of the fasting season and the beginning of the celebration of Easter. It is a time of joy and celebration, and people come together to share food, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other’s company.

Question: Why is May 20 important in the Ethiopian calendar?

Answer: May 20 marks the end of the fasting season and the beginning of the celebration of Easter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, May 20 in the Ethiopian calendar is a special day that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. It marks the end of the fasting season and the beginning of the celebration of Easter. The traditions and customs associated with this day are an important part of Ethiopian culture and are passed down from generation to generation.