A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – Have you ever ever puzzled how our ancestors celebrated New Yr’s Eve worldwide? The historical past of New Yr celebrations goes again to historic occasions, and a few traditions have survived for 1000’s of years.
Babylonian Akitu Pageant
The earliest recognized New Yr celebrations have been in Mesopotamia and date again to 2000 B.C. Following the primary New Moon after the vernal equinox in late March, the Babylonians of historic Mesopotamia would honor the rebirth of the pure world with a multi-day competition referred to as Akitu.
Throughout the Akitu, statues of the gods have been paraded by means of town streets. All important rites have been enacted to represent their victory over the forces of chaos. The Babylonians believed the world was symbolically cleansed with the assistance of rituals and recreated by the gods. The aim was to arrange for the New Yr and spring return.
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