of the millennials. New Year’s Eve is a day unlike any other, we indulge in the certified drinks, go for concerts, watch fireworks and do anything else in the family of extremities. Which might beg the question, where did it all start? How did New Year’s Eve become so special and who started the tradition? Now the earliest recorded New Year’s celebration was in Mesopotamia around 2000 B.C, according to earth sky. At first the celebrations were conducted during the vernal equinox in mid-march. They would hold an eleven day extravagant festival during this time which they considered New Year in accordance to their calendar. This is according to history.com.
During this time, the Mesopotamian people would perform rituals, celebrate the religious victory of the sky god Marduk over the sea goddess Tiamat .They also proceeded to crown a new king or continue under the reign of the current king. According to history.com, January wasn’t always the crowned month. The ancient Rome calendar used to follow the lunar cycle, and had their new year the beginning of March. From 46 B.C. Julius Caesar under the advice of Sosigenes an astronomer, started to follow the solar year. The new year begun in January.
This act was also done to honour god Janus whom the month is named after. It was so, because Janus had 2 faces, he was looking into the past and the future simultaneously .This made him a great spokesperson for the holiday. Among the 7th century pagans of Flanders and the Netherlands, it was the custom to exchange gifts on the first day of the New Year. This is according to Wikipedia.
New Year’s was marked by gifts and resolutions. This tradition was done during the fast of the Mesopotamian people. The resolutions required making an oath to the new king. These oaths were considered important as they kept the people in God’s favor. This is according to live science. In the present age, New Year’s is celebrated differently all over the world. From the dropping of the ball in New York, to popping champagne, to smooching and not forgetting the watching of fireworks. Whatever way you choose to celebrate the New Year’s Eve, remember the reason for all this is to become a better version of yourself in the next year. To do better. As we carry on our various traditions, let the spirit of newness be upheld. Happy new year to you and your loved ones.
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Nice one
A little history there hmm?..
I personally didn’t Know that January was named after someone called janus.. learning is indeed continuous
Woow I think this Mesopotamia is so important, it’s the origin of many ideologies…I love the story of how the New Year thing originated
Nice article
at least i now know new things about the New year and the naming…nice one
It’s all true about that
Knowledge is power
Wow!! beautiful story to share