Enkutatash Flower Traditions: The Ultimate Guide

Jul 01, 2025
Life Style
Enkutatash Flower Traditions: The Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) Flower Traditions | Newflower Ethiopia

The Ultimate Guide to Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) Flower Traditions

Discover the Rich Symbolism and Celebrations of Ethiopia's Blooming New Year

Enkutatash, Ethiopia's vibrant New Year celebration, transforms the country into a sea of gold each September 11th (or 12th during leap years) as the iconic Adey Abeba (Meskel Daisy) blankets the landscape. Meaning "Gift of Jewels," this festival commemorates the biblical return of the Queen of Sheba to Ethiopia, where her chiefs replenished her treasury with precious jewels.


Marking the end of Ethiopia's rainy season, Enkutatash symbolizes renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. The blooming of the golden Meskel Daisy coincides with clear skies and dazzling sunshine, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle across the Ethiopian highlands.

Flowers play a central role in Enkutatash celebrations, serving as living symbols of Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage. This guide explores the deep-rooted floral traditions that make Ethiopian New Year a uniquely beautiful celebration.

The Adey Abeba: Ethiopia's Golden Herald

Symbol of Renewal

The Adey Abeba (Meskel Daisy) blankets Ethiopian highlands in brilliant yellow each September, signaling the end of rains and the start of the New Year. These resilient flowers symbolize hope and rebirth across Ethiopian culture.

Traditional Bouquets

Young girls gather fresh Adey Abeba to create vibrant bouquets presented to neighbors during traditional New Year songs. These floral gifts embody the spirit of community and sharing.

Cultural Significance

The flower's brief September-November blooming period makes it exclusively associated with Ethiopian New Year celebrations. Its golden hue represents the jewels gifted to the Queen of Sheba.

Enkutatash Floral Traditions & Celebrations

Abebayehosh Songs

Young girls dressed in traditional white dresses with colorful borders visit neighbors singing "Abebayehosh," presenting Adey Abeba bouquets and receiving blessings and money in return.

Bonfire Rituals

Families build "Chibo" bonfires from branches and leaves on New Year's Eve, symbolizing the transition from the rainy season to sunny days ahead.

Festive Feasts

Families share traditional meals of chicken stew and injera, accompanied by honey wine and fresh Ethiopian coffee, often decorated with seasonal blooms.

Modern Enkutatash Gift Traditions

Traditional Bouquets

Modern arrangements featuring Adey Abeba combined with roses, lilies, and seasonal blooms that honor tradition with contemporary design.

Floral Gift Hampers

Luxury baskets combining flowers with Ethiopian honey wine (Tej), traditional coffee, and artisanal chocolates for comprehensive New Year gifting.

Home Decor Arrangements

Centerpieces featuring Adey Abeba alongside Ethiopia's national flower (Calla Lily) and indigenous Rosa Abyssinica for festive home decor.

Ethiopian Calendar: A Unique Timeline

Ethiopia follows a 13-month calendar with twelve 30-day months plus a thirteenth month (Pagume) of 5-6 days. Enkutatash falls on September 11 (Gregorian calendar), marking the start of the new year in Ethiopia's distinctive timeline.


In 2025, Ethiopians will celebrate the arrival of 2018 according to their calendar, maintaining a cultural tradition that dates back centuries.

Celebrate Enkutatash with Authentic Ethiopian Flowers

Honor Ethiopian traditions with our specially curated New Year collections featuring Adey Abeba arrangements, traditional bouquets, and cultural gift sets.
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