New Year – From Antiquity to the Present: Traditions, Religions, and Ethnicities



New Year – From Antiquity to the Present: Traditions, Religions, and Ethnicities

The presentation traced the beginnings of the holiday back to Ancient Babylon, where the first known New Year celebration emerged over 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians marked the start of the year in the spring with the festival of Akitu, which was deeply connected to nature, agriculture, and the belief in a new beginning.

A significant emphasis was placed on the role of nature, the sun, and the moon in the creation of the first calendars, explaining why different religions continue to celebrate the New Year at different times today.

Special attention was given to Nevruz—an ancient spring festival meaning "new day," celebrated on March 21st by various peoples, including Turks and Roma. The holiday symbolizes the rebirth of nature, hope, and new life.


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