While the Gregorian calendar is followed in most parts of the world, Ethiopians religiously adhered to the Coptic calendar which is similar to the Julian calendar. Usually at the end of the big rains, the sun arises to create a dazzling atmosphere of clear skies and clean fresh air to usher in a new beginning. This day marks the first day of the month of Mäskäräm which is celebrated as New Year day in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian New Year falls in September on the Feast of St John the Baptist and at the end of the rainy season. The day is called Enkutatash, meaning the “gift of jewels”, alluding to the time when the Queen of Sheba returned from visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem and her chiefs wlecomed her, replenishing her treasury with enku, or jewels. But Enkutatash is not exclusively a religious holiday. Rather, it is also an occassion for all people to give flowers in the name of the sun.