引言 Preface
埃塞俄比亚，这个位于东非高原的文明古国，有着3000多年的悠久历史。它是非洲唯一未被殖民的国家，保留着完整的传统文化。这里是咖啡的发源地，拥有独特的历法系统（比公历晚7年8个月）和时间计算方式（将一天分为两个12小时），这意味着，当全球步入2025年，埃塞俄比亚才刚迎来2018年！
Ethiopia, an ancient civilization nestled in the highlands of East Africa, boasts a history spanning over 3,000 years. It is the only country in Africa that was never colonized, preserving its traditional culture in its entirety. As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia also possesses a unique calendar system (which is 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar) and a distinct way of measuring time (dividing the day into two 12-hour cycles). This means that while the world enters 2025, Ethiopia is just welcoming the year 2018!
在这个被称作“非洲屋脊”的国度，全年有13个月阳光灿烂，其中第13个月只有5-6天，这种独特的时间观念也体现在他们的节日庆祝中。
In this nation known as the "Roof of Africa," the year consists of 13 months of sunshine, with the 13th month lasting only 5-6 days. This unique perception of time is also reflected in their festive celebrations.
埃塞俄比亚新年，在当地阿姆哈拉语中称为 “Enkutatash”（እንቁጣጣሽ），意思是“珠宝的馈赠”。它不仅是埃塞俄比亚最重要的传统节日之一，也是一个充满欢乐、希望和崭新开始的节日。
The Ethiopian New Year, known as "Enkutatash" (እንቁጣጣሽ) in the local Amharic language, translates to "Gift of Jewels." It is not only one of the most important traditional festivals in Ethiopia but also a celebration filled with joy, hope, and new beginnings.
同时，在埃塞，新年也标志着漫长雨季的结束，大地变得一片翠绿，鲜花盛开（尤其是美丽的黄色雏菊Meskerem）。它象征着重生、希望和繁荣。
Simultaneously, in Ethiopia, the New Year also marks the end of the long rainy season, transforming the land into lush greenery with blooming flowers (particularly the beautiful yellow Meskerem daisies). It symbolizes renewal, hope, and prosperity.
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1.新年前夜：点燃“楚博”火炬 (Chibo / Ethiopian Torch)
New Year's Eve: Lighting the "Chibo" Torch
在除夕（9月10日晚），每家每户都会在门前点燃一种用干树枝捆扎成的火炬，称为 “Chibo”。火焰象征着驱散黑暗和邪恶，照亮即将到来的新年，为家庭带来光明、希望和纯净。整个社区在火炬的照耀下变得温暖而充满仪式感。
On New Year's Eve (the evening of September 10th), every household lights a torch made of bundled dry twigs, known as "Chibo," in front of their doors. The flames symbolize dispelling darkness and evil, illuminating the coming year, and bringing light, hope, and purity to the family. Under the glow of these torches, the entire community becomes warm and filled with a sense of ceremony.
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2.清晨的感恩与祈祷
Morning Gratitude and Prayers
新年清晨，许多家庭会早起，穿戴整齐前往埃塞俄比亚正统台瓦西多教堂参加特殊的礼拜仪式。人们感谢上帝过去一年的保佑，并祈祷新的一年充满和平、健康与繁荣。这是一个进行精神反思和开启新篇章的时刻。
On the morning of the New Year, many families wake up early, dress neatly, and attend special services at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. People express gratitude to God for the blessings of the past year and pray for a new year filled with peace, health, and prosperity. It is a time for spiritual reflection and embarking on a new chapter.
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3.分享新年盛宴 (New Year's Feast)
Sharing the New Year's Feast
家庭团聚共享丰盛的大餐是节日的核心。通常会屠宰牲畜（鸡、牛、羊），准备比平日更丰盛的食物。
Family reunions centered around a lavish feast are at the heart of the celebration. It is common to slaughter livestock (such as chickens, cattle, or sheep) to prepare more abundant meals than usual.
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4. “恩库塔塔什”之歌与儿童祝福 (Children's Song)
"Enkutatash" Song and Children's Blessings
这是新年最可爱、最充满活力的习俗。孩子们会穿上新衣（通常是父母为新年购置的），组成小队，挨家挨户敲门。他们为邻居和亲戚演唱传统的新年歌曲，歌词通常是祝福家庭繁荣、牲畜健康、收获丰盈。作为回报，大人会给予孩子们零钱、糖果、水果或小礼物。这有点像西方的“万圣节捣蛋”，但更侧重于祝福和分享喜悦。
This is the most delightful and vibrant custom of the New Year. Dressed in new clothes (often bought by parents for the occasion), children form small groups and go door-to-door knocking on houses. They sing traditional New Year songs for neighbors and relatives, with lyrics that typically convey wishes for family prosperity, healthy livestock, and bountiful harvests. In return, adults give the children small change, candies, fruits, or other small gifts. It bears some resemblance to the Western tradition of "Halloween trick-or-treating" but places greater emphasis on blessings and sharing joy.
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5.交换礼物与祝福
Exchanging gifts and blessings
家人和朋友之间会交换礼物。传统的礼物可能包括新衣服、牲畜，或者更现代的商品。人们见面时会用阿姆哈拉语互相祝福：Enkutatash!” (እንቁጣጣሽ！)
Gifts are exchanged among family and friends. Traditional gifts may include new clothes, livestock, or more modern items. When people meet, they greet each other in Amharic with the blessing: "Enkutatash!" (እንቁጣጣሽ!).
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当“Enkutatash”的祝福声在邻里间响起，当孩子们的歌声与芬芳的咖啡香一同飘散在清新的空气中，你便能真切地感受到这个“非洲屋脊”之国所蕴含的坚韧生命力与无限希望。这不仅是一个节日的开始，更是一次对古老文明的深情回望。祝埃塞俄比亚新年快乐，愿光明与繁荣常伴！
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