Ezidi Times Extends Warm Congratulations on the Assyrian New Year

As the spring blooms and the earth awakens from its winter slumber, communities around the world prepare to celebrate the Assyrian New Year, known as Akitu or Kha b’Nissan. Assyrians are celebrating year 6774.

How is Akitu/Kha b’Nissan celebrated?

This ancient festival, deeply rooted in Mesopotamian culture and history, marks a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope for the year ahead.

For thousands of years, the Assyrian people have observed Akitu with great reverence and joy. It is a time when families come together to honor their heritage, traditions, and the enduring spirit of their ancestors. The festival typically lasts for 12 days, symbolizing the 12 signs of the zodiac, each day filled with various rituals, feasts, and festivities.

One of the most cherished aspects of Akitu is the ceremonial reenactment of the creation myth, where the god Marduk battles and triumphs over the forces of chaos, bringing order to the universe. This symbolic battle represents the eternal struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, and serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Assyrian people in the face of adversity.

Central to the celebration is the Ha b-Nissan, or the Assyrian New Year’s Day, which falls on the first day of spring. It is a time of purification and renewal, as families clean their homes, don traditional attire, and gather for special prayers and blessings. Traditional foods such as baklava, dolma, and kebabs are prepared, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the year ahead.

Music and dance play a significant role in Akitu celebrations, with lively performances of traditional Assyrian folk songs and dances filling the air. Drumbeats and melodies echo through the streets as people come together to express their joy and gratitude for another year of life and blessings.

In recent years, Assyrian communities around the world have worked tirelessly to preserve and revitalize their cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations continue to embrace and celebrate their identity. From Assyrian New Year parades in cities like Chicago and Sydney to community gatherings in villages across Turkey, Iraq and Syria, the spirit of Akitu continues to thrive and inspire.

As we usher in another Assyrian New Year, let us pause to reflect on the rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition that binds us together as a global community. Let us honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and the resilience of our people, and let us look to the future with hope and optimism for a world where the values of peace, justice, and solidarity prevail.

Ezidi Times congratulate all Assyrians on this occasion

We at Ezidi Times extend our warmest congratulations to all those celebrating the Assyrian New Year. May this auspicious occasion bring you joy, prosperity, and blessings aplenty. Happy Akitu! May 6774 be a happy year for you!