Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year
Enkutatash in Ethiopia
Lesson duration is: 20 minItems in this lesson
Enkutatash in Ethiopia
Open with the idea that different places celebrate the new year in different ways. This lesson looks at a non-European country: Ethiopia.
Our learning outcome
To learn about Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year,
and explain some ways it is celebrated.
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What do you think of when you hear
“new year celebration” ?
Use this to gather pupils' starting ideas about celebrations before introducing Enkutatash. Accept simple words such as party, family, music, food, gifts, dancing or happy.
Ethiopia is in Africa
Ethiopia is a country in Africa.
People, places and celebrations can be different in different countries.
Keep the geography simple and place-based. The key point is that pupils are learning about traditions in a non-European country.
Traditions tell us about place
Traditions are special ways people celebrate.
Traditions can include music, food, clothes and gifts.
Learning about traditions helps us understand people and places.
This slide keeps the lesson rooted in human geography: people shape places through customs and community life.
Enkutatash
Enkutatash is the Ethiopian New Year. It is a special time when families and communities come together to celebrate.
Enkutatash happens in September.
It marks the start of a new year in Ethiopia.
A new year is a time for fresh starts.
Emphasise the month clearly, as this is part of the key knowledge pupils need to remember.
Music and dancing
Enkutatash celebrations can include music.
People may sing and dance together.
Music and movement make the celebration joyful.
They have parades through the cities
If showing clips, draw attention to group celebration and rhythm rather than technical detail.
Clothes for celebration
People may wear special clothes for Enkutatash.
Celebration clothes help show that the day is important.
Clothes are part of local tradition.
Use images here if available. Keep wording broad so the slide stays accurate and age-appropriate.
Giving gifts and sharing food
Enkutatash can include gifts.
Giving a gift is a kind way to celebrate with others.
Gifts help families and friends share the special day.
Food is an important part of many celebrations.
Enkutatash includes traditional food.
Sharing food brings people together.
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A celebration with many parts
Enkutatash includes several traditions: music, dancing, gifts and traditional food. Together, these help make the Ethiopian New Year feel special.
This is a summary slide for consolidation before moving to the idea of differences in celebration.
Families and communities
Some celebrations happen at home with family.
Some happen with a bigger group in the community.
Both are ways people celebrate the new year together.
Yellow is a very important colour used for clothes and decorations
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