Assyrian New Year 2024 (Syria): Five Religious Facts & FAQs

Assyrian New Year 2024: Observance of the Assyrian New Year occurs annually on April 1. It occurs this year on [date]. ‘Akitu’ is its common name, and it is also referred to as ‘Kha b-Nisan.’ In addition to signifying the start of a fresh year, the holiday also signifies the onset of spring.

Warmer temperatures inspire the emergence of flowering plants, the growth of tree foliage, and the birth of juvenile animals such as lambs and chicks. Many Assyrians therefore perceive the holiday as a fresh start.

The Assyrian New Year’s History

The Assyrian New Year celebrates historical and modern Assyrian civilizations. It is one of the world’s oldest religious ceremonies. It originated in southern Mesopotamia’s Sumerian civilization and was witnessed across the ancient Assyrian Empire for many years.

Antiquity celebrated the Assyrian New Year for twelve days, one for each month of the Gregorian year. Autumn barley sowing and spring barley harvesting were agricultural festivals in the past, marking winter and summer. Agriculture valued their celebrations.

The Assyrians lived in northern Mesopotamia, which later became the heart of a great Middle Eastern empire. It once covered northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Assyria became independent in the 14th century B.C. Most Assyrians have traveled to North America, Europe, Australia, and Russia over the last century. The 1933 Simele massacres in Iraq, the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and the Ottoman Empire’s and Kurdish communities’ murder of Diyarbakir during World War I all had an impact on this decision.

Assyrian New Year: FAQs

Present wheat in diminutive dishes.

The Assyrian New Year commenced on the initial day of spring, during which the populace would exhibit wheat on miniature platters situated in front of their dwellings. It played a significant role in the festivities.

Appear at the supper table, adorned with seven fruits.

The Assyrians considered seven to be a sacred quantity. A festive way to begin the new year is by adorning your dinner table with seven distinct types of fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, pears, apricots, quinces, and plums.

Gain a deeper understanding of the Assyrians

The Assyrians are a historically significant ethnic community. You can take pleasure in discovering numerous intriguing facts about them as a way to commemorate the new year.

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Five Interesting Religious Facts

The Christian denomination constituted the most populous religious community.

Christians constituted the greatest religious denomination globally in 2015.

Muslim population growth will accelerate.

It is projected that the Muslim population will increase by 70% from 2015 to 2060.

The expansion of religion in Africa

It is anticipated that the majority of the projected expansion of Islam and Christianity will occur in sub-Saharan Africa.

A greater number of individuals are becoming unbelievers.

More individuals will abandon Christianity for atheism between 2010 and 2050.

Maximum fertility rate

In comparison to other religious communities, the fertility rate among Muslims is the highest.

Why Is the Assyrian New Year Beyond Us?

It is a history lesson.

The Assyrian New Year arouses our interest in Assyrian culture, which compels us to conduct additional research on the subject. Our understanding of historical communities has expanded.

It is now officially springtime.

Everyone is fond of spring. The onset of spring signifies the resumption of activities and introduces the New Year, brimming with optimistic sentiments and revitalized expectations.

Justification for embellishing the dinner table

On the first day of spring, the Assyrian New Year, the supper table was supposed to have fruits, seeds, and nuts, regardless of attendance. Because everyone loves a well-decorated dinner table, the holidays can spice up meals.