Which country’s calendar is 7 years behind? This intriguing question leads us to the fascinating land of Ethiopia, a nation that has maintained a unique calendar system for centuries. While most countries follow the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in 1582, Ethiopia continues to adhere to the Ethiopian calendar, also known as the Ge’ez calendar. This ancient calendar is not only 7 years behind the Gregorian calendar but also has its own set of unique characteristics and historical significance.
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the ancient Coptic calendar, which was used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. It has been in use since the 4th century AD and is still widely accepted and followed by the Ethiopian population. One of the most striking features of this calendar is its 13-month year, which consists of 12 months of 30 days each and an additional month of 5 or 6 days, depending on whether the year is a leap year or not.
The reason for the 7-year difference between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars lies in the different calculations for the length of the year. The Ethiopian calendar has a year of 365 days, similar to the Gregorian calendar, but it calculates the length of a solar year differently. While the Gregorian calendar uses a more accurate value for the solar year, the Ethiopian calendar is based on the Julian calendar, which overestimates the length of the solar year by about 11 minutes per year.
This discrepancy has led to the 7-year difference between the two calendars. For example, when the Gregorian calendar celebrates the year 2023, the Ethiopian calendar will still be in the year 2016. This means that Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on September 12th in the Gregorian calendar, while it is celebrated on September 11th in Ethiopia.
Despite the 7-year difference, the Ethiopian calendar has maintained its relevance and significance in the country. It is used for religious purposes, such as calculating the dates for religious festivals and observances. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows the calendar to determine the dates for important religious events, such as Easter and Christmas.
The unique calendar also has practical implications for Ethiopia’s political and social life. For instance, the Ethiopian calendar is used for the country’s public holidays and school calendars. The Ethiopian New Year is a major national holiday, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
In conclusion, the question of which country’s calendar is 7 years behind leads us to Ethiopia and its distinctive Ethiopian calendar. This ancient calendar, which is based on the Coptic calendar, has a rich history and continues to play a vital role in the lives of the Ethiopian people. While the 7-year difference between the Ethiopian and Gregorian calendars may seem unusual, it is a testament to the country’s deep roots in its cultural and religious heritage.
