In honor of this special day, we share this beautiful piece from Teen Vogue titled "On Ethiopian New Year, 'Meskel Flower' Is a Love Letter to Our Culture." (Photo via een Vogue)
Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff
Updated: September 11th, 2024
New York (TADIAS) — As we welcome the Ethiopian New Year with hope and joy, we also celebrate the rich culture and heritage that binds us together. In honor of this special day, we’re excited to share a beautiful piece from Teen Vogue titled “On Ethiopian New Year, ‘Meskel Flower’ Is a Love Letter to Our Culture.” This article captures the essence of our traditions, the vibrant spirit of our community, and the love for our homeland. We hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired us. Wishing you all a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year!
On Ethiopian New Year, “Meskel Flower” Is a Love Letter to Our Culture
Teen Vogue
By Ruhama Wolle
September 11, 2024
Every September 11—as the rains retreat and the earth drinks its final drops—the golden petals of the Meskel flower are blooming across Ethiopia. They blanket the highlands in yellow brilliance, a living tapestry that signals the dawn of a new year: Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year. While the world waits for the cold grip of winter to mark the start of its calendar, Ethiopia steps into 2017, holding onto a unique timeline rooted in its own heritage. In a world hurtling toward 2025, Ethiopia stands anchored in its own rhythm, a subtle reminder that time moves differently here, steeped in the kind of history and culture that refuses to be rushed.
This isn’t just another New Year. It’s a reclamation. A renaissance. As Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ turned the eyes of the African diaspora back to the continent, Ethiopia has quietly been sparking its own cultural revival, one that transcends tourism. It is a deep reconnection with roots, an affirmation that despite conflict and struggle, this ancient land is not only surviving—it is thriving.
Ethiopia has always set the stage for global influence—starting with Lucy, the oldest human ancestor, who marked the very beginning of humanity. One of the only African nations that was never colonized, as Ethiopia remained unbroken, the world took notice. The red, yellow, and green of its flag didn’t just represent a nation; they became the symbol for independence movements across the globe.
Read the full article and see photos at teenvogue.com »
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