History of New Year's and It's Connection to Nature

In ancient history, the date of the first of the New Year has changed from culture to culture as they each developed their own calendars of the year. Many had to do with astrological events or change in season, which affected their livelihood; the crops. When humans had a solid connection to the Earth they celebrated the bounty which it provided.

Akitu and New Year's Eve

For some the New Year was celebrated in the springtime. The earliest celebration dates back to 4000 years ago in Babylon with a festival called Akitu, the Sumerian word for Barley, which was cut in the spring. It fell in March during the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which marks the first day of spring.

Around 3000 years ago, the Chinese New Year originated to celebrate the start of the spring planting season. Later it became entwined with folklore and myths. Today, the “Chinese New Year is still based on a lunar calendar that dates back to the second millennium BC, the holiday typically falls in late January or early February on the second new moon after the winter solstice”.

In Scotland, local traditions based around fire date back to pagan winter celebrations. Fire represents the return of the sun to the land.

In the US, we use the gregorian calendar and celebrate the first of January as the start of the New Year. The Gregorian calendar is a later version of the Roman calendar, with just 10 months, which used to follow lunar cycles. They celebrated the New Year during the vernal equinox in March. This 10 month calendar fell out of sync with the sun and two more months were added. January 1 became the start of the year.

The tradition of setting New Year's resolutions dates back to ancient times as well. Babylonians made promises to their gods to repay debts. Today, we reflect on the past year and think of how to better ourselves in the future. Hopefully, many resolve to, in some way, reconnect with our planet Earth, to which we owe our lives.

Source History.com