Ethiopian New Yearእንቁጣጣሽ

What does Enkutatash mean?

The name Enkutatash (እንቁጣጣሽ) is usually translated as “gift of jewels.” Tradition ties it to the Queen of Sheba: when she returned to Ethiopia from her famous visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs are said to have welcomed her home by replenishing her treasury with enku — jewels. The word has been linked to that homecoming and to the renewal that the season brings ever since.

Enkutatash also lands at a naturally hopeful moment. It marks the end of kiremt, the heavy rainy season, and the start of the sunny spring that follows. Rivers run clear, the fields are green, and the Meskel daisy blooms across the countryside — a living signal that a new year has begun.

How Enkutatash is celebrated

The celebration begins the night before with bonfires and song. On new year's morning, children — especially girls — dress in traditional white clothes, go from house to house singing “Abebayehosh,” and hand out small bouquets of Adey Abeba, the bright yellow daisy of the season. In return they receive a little money, bread, or roasted grain.

Families share a festive meal built around injera with doro wat (spiced chicken stew) and other dishes, brew fresh coffee in a jebena, and visit relatives and neighbours. In Orthodox Christian tradition the day also honours John the Baptist, and many attend church services that carry into the celebration.

How to say Happy Ethiopian New Year

The most common greeting is “Melkam Addis Amet” (መልካም አዲስ ዓመት), which simply means “Happy New Year.” You may also hear “Enkuan aderesachihu” — roughly, “congratulations on reaching this day.” A greeting card in Amharic or English is a warm way to reach family and friends near and far.