Happy Millennium, Ethiopia!

How great. Who knew that Ethiopia was so independent? Certainly not me.
All I know about Ethiopia is the negative news I have been fed since before I can remember about famines and war and dictators.
What is their ancient calendar? Where does it come from? How have they managed to still have it?
Do calendars ultimately belong to people or to lands or to cultures or to belief structures? Is it even possible to separate these into one or other? Is it just a marketing opportunity for Ethiopian tourism to change the western world's perception or is it a moment of beauty to celebrate a country managing to uphold ancient ways?