History of the Name

 

Adey - short for Adey Abeba is Ethiopian name for Bidens macroptera, which is a type of seasonal wild flower only known from Ethiopia.

 

On and around the Ethiopian New Year, which usually falls on September 11th of the Gregorian calendar, much of the Ethiopian plateau and many river valleys, hills, and mountain slopes in Ethiopia are graced by yellow-flowered Bidens species.  In some locations, these flowers grow beautifully in masses so dense that they resemble cultivated fields.  Bouquets of these flowers are often presented to families or friends as gifts. Together with grasses and sedges, they are also used in decorating the floors of homes, particularly during household or communal coffee ceremonies.

As a symbol of peace and hope, yellow Bidens (Adey Abeba) are often displayed to signify the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry and sunny season and, more specifically, the start of the Ethiopian New Year.

During this season, Ethiopians from all walks of life make every effort to spend time with family and they give each other “Adey Abeba” as a symbol of peace, hope and best wishes.  This tradition prompts one of the famous expressions during Ethiopian New Year.
 

መስከረም ሲጠባ አደይ ሲፈነዳ፣ እንኳን ሰው ዘመዱን ይጠይቃል ባዳ!
 

Meskerem siteba, Adey sifeneda Enkuan sew zemedun, yiteyikal bada!
  
When the New Year dawns and flowers bloom, it’s one’s duty to not only visit family, but also express best wishes to strangers!