Ancient Timekeeping System

About the Ethiopian Calendar

Explore the rich history, unique structure, and cultural significance of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating solar timekeeping systems.

Current Ethiopian Month

The Ethiopian calendar is currently in the month of Sene, in the year 2018.

About Sene

Sene is an important month in the Ethiopian calendar. Each month in the Ethiopian calendar has exactly 30 days, except for Pagume which has 5 days (6 in leap years). This regular structure makes the Ethiopian calendar mathematically simpler than the Gregorian calendar with its varying month lengths.

Understanding the System

A unique solar timekeeping system with deep historical, scientific, and cultural significance.

13 Months

The Ethiopian calendar consists of 12 months of exactly 30 days each, plus a 13th month of 5 days (6 in leap years) called Pagume. The classic tagline is '13 Months of Sunshine'.

7-8 Year Offset

The Ethiopian calendar is 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian system because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church calculates the birth of Christ differently, dating it to 7 BC.

Solar Accuracy

Based directly on the solar year, the Ethiopian calendar tracks the tropical year with incredible mathematical precision, deeply rooted in ancient astronomical wisdom.