Assyrian New Year 2023: Every year, the Assyrian New Year is celebrated on April 1. This year’s event occurs on. The holiday is known as ‘Akitu’ and is commonly referred to as ‘Kha b-Nisan.’ It not only signifies the start of a new year, but also the commencement of spring. As the temperature rises, plants begin to bloom, tree leaves begin to develop, and young animals such as chicks and lambs are born. Many Assyrians view the holiday as a fresh start for this reason.
HISTORY OF ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR
The Assyrian New Year commemorates the connection between ancient and modern Assyrians. It is one of the world’s oldest-known religious celebrations. It originated in the Sumerian civilization of southern Mesopotamia and was celebrated for several years throughout the ancient Assyrian Empire.
In ancient times, the Assyrian New Year was celebrated for twelve days, one for each month of the year. Historically, the year was divided into two seasons, summer and winter, and these were marked by two agricultural festivals, the sowing and harvesting of barley, respectively. Clearly, agriculture played a central role in their festivities.
Assyria is the home of the Assyrian people in the Kingdom of Northern Mesopotamia, and it was subsequently recognised as the heart of a powerful empire in the Middle East. It was situated in present-day northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Assyria was not always an autonomous state, gaining its independence in the fourteenth century B.C. The majority of Assyrians have relocated to other regions of the globe such as Europe, Australia, Russia, and North America over the past century. Several tragic events, including the massacres of Diyarbakir by the Ottoman Empire and Kurdish communities during World War I, the Simele massacres in Iraq in 1933, and the Iranian Revolution of 1979, influenced this decision.
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ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES
Present wheat on miniature dishes.
On the first day of spring, which signified the start of the Assyrian New Year, the Assyrians would place small plates of wheat in front of their residences. It was an essential component of the celebration.
Decorate your table with seven different vegetables
The Assyrians regarded seven as a sacred number. For example, you can commemorate the new year by decorating your dinner table with seven different types of fruit, such as apples, pomegranates, pears, apricots, quinces, and plums.
Explore further about Assyrians
Assyrians are an ancient ethnic community with a long history. You can celebrate the new year by learning a great deal of fascinating information about them.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RELIGION
Christians constituted the largest religious community.
In 2015, Christians were the world’s greatest religious group.
The Muslim population will increase.
The Muslim population is projected to increase by 70 percent between 2015 and 2060.
Africa’s religiosity will expand.
Sub-Saharan Africa is anticipated to experience the majority of Islam’s and Christianity’s predicted growth.
More individuals are now sceptics.
From 2010 to 2050, more individuals will abandon Christianity to become atheists.
Maximum fertility rate
Compared to other religious communities, the fertility rate among Muslims is the highest.
ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
