19 Surprising Facts about the Ethiopian Culture (for the newbie)

This shows an Ethiopian boy on a beautiful mountain setting (Ethiopian Culture)

The Ethiopian culture is ancient, enchanting, and like none other in the world. Impress the locals and enjoy your stay in the country with a quick course on the Ethiopian culture. 

19 Surprising facts about the Ethiopian Culture 

1. Never Colonized 

There are 54 countries in Africa, and only Ethiopia and one other African country were never colonized. The story goes that Ethiopian tribes were at war with each other. But when the Italian invaded on March 1, 1896, they banded together and achieved victory against the invasion at the famous Battle of Adwa. The date has become a national holiday and is still celebrated today. 

2. What year is it?

While the rest of the world is halfway through the year 2019, Ethiopia is currently in year 2011. This is because the country observes the Julian calendar (most of the world is on the Gregorian calendar). A great time to visit is during Ethiopian New Years celebrated the second week of September. Regardless of when you arrive, enjoy peeling back time and being 7.5 years younger than you are now!

3. 13 Months of Sunshine 

The Ethiopian calendar not only has a different year, but also a different way of calculating months. Instead of alternating months that are 30 or 31 days long, the Ethiopian calendar has 12 months that are each 30 days. The 13th month (yes there are 13 months in their calendar) contains the “extra days” and is only 5 or 6 days long depending on if it’s a leap year. That’s why Ethiopia’s nickname is “Land of 13 Months of Sunshine.” 

A picture of a beautiful sunrise
One of the beautiful sunsets in Ethiopia.

4. Land of Origins

Ethiopia actually has several other nicknames. The official slogan is “Land of Origins.” That’s because, Lucy, the oldest homo sapien skeleton ever discovered was found in Ethiopia. (If you’re looking for things to do in Addis Ababa, you can visit her at the National Museum). You might also hear “Abyssinia” which is the country’s ancient name. Or “Shegar” which is the nickname for Addis Ababa. 

5. Time Begins at Sunrise

This one is particularly important for travelers. Ethiopians begin telling time at sunrise. That means that 7:00 am is told as “1:00” by locals. An easy way to remember is to always add or subtract 6 hours. So 2:00 is 8:00 and 11:00 is 5:00 in Ethiopian terms. You don’t need to worry about it when staying with us– our team and website only refers to international time. 

But when scheduling with locals or tours, make sure you ask, “Ethiopian or Foreigner time?”

6. Let’s Eat

A common phrase you’ll hear is “Inebele,” which means “Let’s Eat.” In Ethiopian culture, it’s expected to offer your food to those around you. At a crowded restaurant, you’ll overhear locals say it to the table beside them if they are served first. Or if you’re walking down the street while eating, you’ll surely have several by-standers say it. As a traveler, locals know that you won’t understand or probably feel comfortable sharing food like this. But don’t be surprised or alarmed, if strangers invite you to share a meal or take a bite of their snack. 

7. Coffee Time 

Ethiopians were the first to discover coffee (you’re welcome world). As such, the drink is deeply embedded into their society. Most city dwellers enjoy drinking a macchiato at least once per day. If you’re vegan or have a dairy allergy, make sure you request a “Fasting Macchiato” which uses soy milk. 

Whatever you do, don’t leave Ethiopia without experiencing a traditional coffee ceremony. Made in traditional clay pots, you’ll be served three rounds of coffee in tiny cups. The first round is very strong, while the subsequent cups get more watered down. In the Ethiopian culture, coffee ceremonies always include incense and popcorn. 

It’s also quite popular to be served a vibrant green leaf with your coffee called, “Tena-Dom.” It means “The Health of Adam” and is known internationally as “Grace Herb.” It adds an antioxidant boost and unique taste to your morning drink that most travelers find enjoyable.

a picture of Ethiopian culture coffee in a small cup with the green herb Tena Dom in it.
Traditional Ethiopian culture coffee is served in a small white cup with the herb, “tena dom”

8. People First

Unlike the rest of the world, which is usually filled with busy schedules and long check-lists, the Ethiopian culture is very community centered. People always come first. Even if you run into someone clearly running late, they will always make time to stop and talk. For the newcomers, the slow pace and casual time can feel a bit “inefficient” at first. But eventually you’ll realize that being community centered is one of the beautiful values of the Ethiopian culture.

9. “First in….”

Ethiopians are a very proud people. And for good reason. They were the first country to send an Olympic athlete to a race barefoot (and he won). They were the first African country to fly a pilot across the Atlantic Ocean. The first African to drive a car was Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II in 1907. And most recently, Ethiopia was the first country to plant over 350 million trees in 24 hours! The list could go on. If they’re not first in the world, Ethiopians are usually first in Africa to accomplish some great feat.  

Ethiopian culture loves being first. This is a picture of Ethiopian men planting trees for Green Legacy
Everyone pitched in to help plant the record-breaking 350 million trees in 1 day!

10. Injera is Life

The Ethiopian cuisine is centered around injera, a fermented crepe-like food made from teff grain. It’s served with every meal. You’ll love it or hate it. There is no in-between. But for the health conscious individual, it’s a great gut-friendly food off the charts in iron, calcium, and fiber. 

The proper way of eating injera is by using your right hand to roll up the injera with accompanying stews in a clockwise direction. 

11. For the Love of Raw Meat 

Raw meat is a delicacy in Ethiopian culture. Locals eat it in big chunks (called “Tray Sega”) or ground (called “Kitfo). Dip it in a spicy barbeque-like sauce and cheese before enjoying. Travelers may want to think twice, however,  as it could cause you an upset stomach or give you a worm. 

12. Three Kiss Greetings

Greetings are everything in Ethiopia. A typical greeting is three kisses on the cheek, however, it can be up to four or five kisses if you haven’t seen the person in a long time. This applies for men and women. Another popular, less formal greeting, is to shake hands and then tap your shoulder to the person’s opposite shoulder. 

It’s also not uncommon to shake someone’s hand and remain holding their hand for the next few minutes while you chat about what’s new. 

13. Dance, Dance

Or “Whaz, Whaz,” as they say here.  Traditional Ethiopian dancing is a celebration of culture. The country is composed of 80 different tribes each with their unique moves. An oversimplified way to generalize it is in the north the dancing mainly involves moving the head and neck. Tribes further down begin using the shoulders. The central part of the country starts to incorporate the waist. And by the time you’re in the south, it’s full body and jumping. 

Dancing is so embedded in the Ethiopian culture that it’s one of the top things to do in Addis Ababa. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. Just have fun and enjoy.

14. Tribe Life

Ethiopia is comprised of over 80 different tribes. Some of the bigger, more well known ones include: Tigray, Oromo, Amhara, and Guargey. Each culture has their own language, specialized food, and unique traditions. Despite recent tensions, the Ethiopian culture is overall very peace loving. 

A picture of a woman from the Omo Valley Tribe, part of the unique Ethiopian culture

15. Stand up for the Elderly 

The Ethiopian culture shows high regard for the elderly. It is traditional to stand out of respect when an older individual enters the room and bow your head slightly.  You should also offer your seat on the bus if you’re in the front row. 

Even the way elders are addressed in the language is with special suffixes indicating extra politeness.

16. Hopefully your name isn’t Casey…

In Ethiopia, there is a word meaning “Cursed” that is pronounced very similarly to the popular name “Kasey.” If this is your name, be prepared to get some funny and alarmed looks when introducing yourself. And perhaps adapt the nickname “Kay” while in town. 

17. The Most Hospitable People on Earth

The Ethiopian culture is one of the most welcoming, friendly, and hospitable in the world. As a traveler, don’t hesitate to ask someone on the street for directions or help finding something. Ethiopians take it as an honor and even a religious mandate to show kindness to foreigners. 

Ethiopian culture is friendly. This Ethiopian girl is smiling big.
Ethiopian culture is known for being friendly & helpful.

18. Tradition is Everything

Ethiopians are very traditional. In a culture as ancient as this one, the old way of doing things is very revered. That’s partly why Ethiopia is so lovely to visit. The beautiful values have remained strong in a quickly changing world. But it also has important implications for business people and investors. New products and services that do well in other countries might not be easily adapted here. 

20. Ethiopia and Religion

Ethiopia is a very religious country. The country is 45% Orthodox Christian, 20% Protestant Christian, 30% Muslim, and 5% other. 

Ethiopia is mentioned several times throughout the Koran and the Bible. For Christians, the references are even more profound. Queen of Sheba was Ethiopian and thought to have born a child from King Solomon. Also, the Hebrew Ark of the Covenant is considered by many to be located in Ethiopian’s northern town of Axum. 

Despite the differences, everyone integrates very well together and are exemplary leaders on religious diversity. 

21. Ancient Trade History

Ethiopians were very prominent traders in ancient days. By trading in Europe, they were exposed to new architectural concepts like castles which were built in the northern city of Gondar. The eastern city of Harar, known as the Mecca of Africa,  also became a center of regional trade and is said to be the first city Muslims migrated to from the Arabian peninsula.

picture of Ethiopian culture of Gondar castles
One of the castles built in the northern city of Gondar, Ethiopia (photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you find this quick snapshot of Ethiopian culture helpful? Share it with your friends, and tell us which fact surprised you the most in a comment below

 

309 Comments

  1. buy generic viagra pills

    5 mg viagra coupon printable https://viagraonlineee.wordpress.com/

    Cheers. Ample tips.

  2. https://viagraonline.home.blog/

    medication without a doctors prescription https://viagraonline.home.blog/

    You have made your point!

  3. https://onlineviagra.flazio.com/

    cialis lowest price https://onlineviagra.flazio.com/

    You have made your point pretty well!.

  4. buy viagra pills

    Tadalafil tablets https://onlineviagra.fo.team/

    This is nicely expressed! .

  5. canadian pharmacy

    Canadian Pharmacies Shipping to USA https://linktr.ee/canadianpharmaceuticalsonline

    Kudos. I value it.

  6. canadian discount pharmacies

    canadian pharmaceuticals online https://challonge.com/en/canadianpharmaciesshippingtousa

    You actually reported it perfectly.

  7. pinshape.com/users/2441621-canadian-pharmaceutical-companies

    buy cialis online pinshape.com/users/2441621-canadian-pharmaceutical-companies

    Kudos! I like this.

  8. canada rx

    canadian pharmacy viagra brand https://aoc.stamford.edu/profile/canadianpharmaceuticalsonline/

    Fantastic material. Cheers.

  9. trust pharmacy canada

    northwestpharmacy https://ktqt.ftu.edu.vn/en/question list/canadian-pharmaceuticals-for-usa-sales/

    Incredible tons of wonderful tips.

  10. https://ktqt.ftu.edu.vn/en/question list/order-stromectol-over-the-counter-10/

    Viagra generico online https://ktqt.ftu.edu.vn/en/question list/order-stromectol-over-the-counter-10/

    You actually stated this really well!

  11. stromectol reviews

    treating scabies with stromectol https://www.repairanswers.net/question/stromectol-order-online/

    You made your point pretty well..

  12. buying stromectol

    facts stromectol https://web904.com/stromectol-buy/

    Seriously all kinds of awesome data!

  13. canadadrugs

    Northwest Pharmacy https://aoc.stamford.edu/profile/hispennbackwin/

    Thank you, Helpful information!

  14. canadadrugs

    canada drug pharmacy https://bursuppsligme.bandcamp.com/releases

    Regards, A lot of knowledge.

  15. 500px.com/p/phraspilliti

    Canadian viagra 500px.com/p/phraspilliti

    Seriously lots of good advice!

  16. online canadian pharmacy

    best canadian mail order pharmacies https://slides.com/canadianpharmaceuticalsonline

    Cheers! Loads of tips.

  17. dsdgbvda.zombeek.cz

    Viagra 20 mg best price https://dsdgbvda.zombeek.cz/

    Wonderful stuff. Appreciate it.

  18. https://inflavnena.zombeek.cz/

    Viagra dosage https://inflavnena.zombeek.cz/

    You have made your position quite effectively..

  19. northwest pharmacies

    canadian prescriptions online https://moaamein.nacda.com/profile/422018/0

    Thanks, Numerous posts!

  20. canadian drugs

    buy viagra now https://www.ecosia.org/search?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Thank you, I like it!

  21. trust pharmacy canada

    Canadian Pharmacies Shipping to USA https://search.gmx.com/web/result?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Beneficial info. With thanks!

  22. search.seznam.cz?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Generic viagra https://search.seznam.cz/?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    You actually mentioned it fantastically.

  23. https://swisscows.com/en/web?query="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Viagra for daily use https://swisscows.com/en/web?query=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    You reported this really well!

  24. www.dogpile.comserp?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Canadian viagra https://www.dogpile.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Thanks. Quite a lot of posts.

  25. search.naver.comsearch.naver?where=nexearch

    Viagra 5 mg funziona

    Nicely put, Thank you!

  26. https://search.givewater.com/serp?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Viagra reviews https://search.givewater.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Reliable tips. Kudos!

  27. cialis from canada

    canadian pharmacies shipping to usa https://results.excite.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    With thanks. Lots of tips.

  28. www.infospace.comserp?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Viagra canada https://www.infospace.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Kudos, Ample information.

  29. https://results.excite.com/serp?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Cheap viagra https://results.excite.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    You have made your stand quite well.!

  30. dramamhinca.zombeek.cz

    Generic for viagra https://dramamhinca.zombeek.cz/

    Reliable data. Many thanks.

  31. canadian pharmacys

    drugs for sale https://www.infospace.com/serp?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    Thanks! An abundance of write ups!

  32. https://search.lycos.com/web/?q="My Canadian Pharmacy - Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022"

    Viagra generico https://search.lycos.com/web/?q=“My Canadian Pharmacy – Extensive Assortment of Medications – 2022”

    With thanks, I value it!

  33. stromectol order online

    how much does stromectol cost https://orderstromectoloverthecounter.fo.team/

    With thanks! A good amount of postings!

  34. buy viagra 25mg

    canadian medications https://www.dibiz.com/ndeapq

    You expressed that very well.

  35. issuu.comlustgavalar

    Viagra canada https://issuu.com/lustgavalar

    Appreciate it, Ample write ups!

  36. challonge.comebocivid

    Viagra sans ordonnance https://challonge.com/ebocivid

    You actually mentioned that superbly.

  37. canadian drug

    online canadian pharmacies https://tawk.to/canadianpharmaceuticalsonline

    Excellent data. Cheers!

  38. canadian drugs

    top rated online canadian pharmacies https://pinshape.com/users/2513487-online-medicine-shopping

    Nicely put, Kudos!

  39. canada pharmacies online

    canada online pharmacies https://www.provenexpert.com/pharmacy-online/

    Very well voiced of course! !

  40. canadian cialis

    canada viagra https://challonge.com/townsiglutep

    Amazing plenty of helpful tips!

  41. challonge.comafersparun

    Viagra sans ordonnance https://challonge.com/afersparun

    With thanks! A lot of content.

  42. canadian prescriptions online

    highest rated canadian pharmacies https://en.gravatar.com/canadianpharmaceuticalcompanies

    Terrific information. Many thanks.

  43. canadadrugs

    canadian pharmacies online prescriptions https://canadianpharmaceuticalsonline.diary.to/archives/16857199.html

    Very good material. Regards!

  44. gravatar.comkqwsh

    Low cost viagra 20mg https://gravatar.com/kqwsh

    You actually suggested it adequately!

  45. prescriptions from canada without

    canadian pharmacies shipping to usa https://halttancentnin.livejournal.com/301.html

    You have made the point!

  46. canadian pharmacys

    canadian pharmacy no prescription https://my.desktopnexus.com/Canadianpharmacygeneric/journal/

    Thanks a lot, A lot of info.

  47. https://fliphtml5.com/homepage/fhrha

    How does viagra work https://fliphtml5.com/homepage/fhrha

    With thanks! Quite a lot of info!

  48. online pharmacy canada

    canadian pharmacies online prescriptions https://www.bakespace.com/members/profile/Viagra generic online Pharmacy/1562809/

    You actually suggested it perfectly!

  49. canadianpharmacy

    canadian prescription drugstore https://slides.com/canadianpharmacycialis20mg

    Terrific knowledge. Thanks a lot!

  50. canadian pharmacies online prescriptions

    Canadian Pharmacies Shipping to USA https://www.bakespace.com/members/profile/Canadian drugs online pharmacies/1563583/

    Nicely put. Thanks.

  51. canadian pharmacy cialis

    canadian cialis https://cialispharmacy.cgsociety.org/profile

    Seriously loads of awesome material.

  52. canadian drug

    online pharmacies https://fnote.net/notes/7ce1ce

    Nicely put, Regards.

  53. https://www.dibiz.com/gdooc

    Viagra generico online https://www.dibiz.com/gdooc

    You’ve made your position extremely well.!

  54. canadian prescription drugstore

    canadian drugstore https://www.mixcloud.com/canadapharmacies/

    You actually expressed that superbly!

  55. canadian rx

    pharmacy https://challonge.com/gyoupafefer

    Thank you. Fantastic stuff!

  56. https://hafbeltminla.zombeek.cz/

    Buy viagra online https://hafbeltminla.zombeek.cz/

    Truly a lot of fantastic info.

  57. pharmacy

    canadian pharmacies online https://ecoutegli.bandcamp.com/track/pharmacies-shipping-to-usa

    You stated that terrifically!

  58. canadian discount pharmacies

    canadian pharmaceuticals https://pastelink.net/ii18z6qf

    Nicely put, Thanks.

  59. canadian pharmacy

    canada pharmacy online http://trommelforum.ch/forum/profile/franbervage/

    Regards! Wonderful information!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.