Choniaka

Choniaka refers to a traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean calendar system that is used alongside the Gregorian calendar for religious and cultural purposes. The term originates from the Ge'ez word *ክንያካ* (*kənyāka*), which translates to "year" or "annum." The Choniaka is primarily utilized in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, as well as in the broader Ethiopian and Eritrean communities for marking religious festivals, holidays, and liturgical events.

The Choniaka year consists of 13 months, with 12 months of 30 days each and an additional 5-day or 6-day month (known as *Pagumen*) added at the end of the year. This results in a total of 365 or 366 days, depending on whether it is a leap year. The year begins on the autumnal equinox, which typically falls around September 11 in the Gregorian calendar. The months are named after various themes, such as harvest, fasting, and religious observances, reflecting their cultural and spiritual significance.

The Choniaka is also known for its unique numbering system, which does not align directly with the Gregorian calendar. For example, the year 2000 in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to approximately 1992–1993 in the Choniaka. This discrepancy arises because the Ethiopian calendar year begins on a different date and follows a different epoch. The Ethiopian calendar is believed to have been introduced in 2484 BCE, based on the traditional account of the creation of the world, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "Year of the World" (የአዲስ ሰንበት, *Ye'addis Senbet*).

The Choniaka plays a crucial role in determining the dates of major religious celebrations, such as the Ethiopian New Year (*Enkutatash*), Christmas (*Ganna*), and Easter (*Fasika*), which are observed according to the Julian calendar but calculated using the Choniaka system. This calendar remains an integral part of Ethiopian and Eritrean cultural identity, blending historical tradition with contemporary religious practice.