Thursday, September 12th, marks the first day of the first month - known as Meskerem - of the new year for both Ethiopia and Eritrea. This significant day is known as Enkutatash.
The name “Enkutatash” translates to “Gift of Jewels” and alludes to a centuries-old tale of Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon. She brought a range of gifts for the king and, upon her return home, was welcomed with a supply of “enku” (jewels) for her treasury.
Traditions of Enkutatash
Today, there are still many lasting traditions to observe Enkutatash. Most families gather to enjoy a traditional meal and celebrate by giving gifts to the children. Singing and dancing are also popular ways to celebrate, especially among young girls.
In some places, celebrations may last for multiple days, including the eve of Enkutatash, on which it is common to attend a church service and to offer prayers ushering in the new year.
Traditionally, bouquets of freshly picked flowers (symbolizing the coming of spring and period of revitalization) and painted pictures of saints were given by children in exchange for reciprocal gifts. Today, however, greeting cards are much more common.
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Ethiopian New Year 2018 EC Song (Enkutatash Celebration)
The Culinary Delights of Enkutatash
As in many cultural celebrations around the world, food is essential in the celebration of Enkutatash. An animal is typically purchased the evening before to be slaughtered the following morning, and a variety of beloved dishes are served after usually half a day’s preparation.
Check out a few of the typical Ethiopian dishes enjoyed for Enkutatash below:
- Doro Wot: A spicy chicken stew, is cooked for over an hour and typically served with rice or flatbread (injera).
- Dulet: A combination of minced beef, liver, and lamb tripe, sometimes served raw.
- Ga’at: Resembles a stiff porridge and is often made of either barley flour or cornmeal.
Here's a table summarizing the dishes:
| Dish Name | Description | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Doro Wot | Spicy chicken stew | Chicken, spices, rice or injera |
| Dulet | Minced meat dish | Beef, liver, lamb tripe |
| Ga'at | Stiff porridge | Barley flour or cornmeal |
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