What is Assyrian New Year?

The first of April marks Akitu—the Assyrian New Year, which is also known as Kha b’Nissan. It is the most significant Assyrian national holiday, and its celebration creates an association between ancient and modern Assyrians. Kha b’Nissan is the first day of the new year, which is also known as the beginning of Spring. During this time of year, trees and flowers would begin to bloom again. This holiday symbolizes revival, which is a substantial matter in ancient Assyrian mythology. Many Assyrians perceive this day as the “start of a new life” each year.

Background

Ancient tablets found in the Assyrian homeland show that Akitu festivities were celebrated thousands of years ago. Tens of thousands of people from all over the Assyrian Empire would travel to Nineveh, its capital city, to participate in the great event that was led by the Assyrian kingship.

How is Assyrian New Year celebrated?

One of the ancient traditions that have survived is the tradition of Diqna d’Nissan, meaning “the bear of Spring.” Every year, Assyrian women and girls collect flowers and herbs which are then strung from the roof of their homes.  Assyrians celebrate Kha b’Nissan by way of festivals, parades, and parties worldwide. In Chicago,  there is a parade that is held to honor the progressions in Assyria. Also, in Iraq, there are similar parades that have drawn crowds of 30,000 in the past years. This year on April 1st, Assyrians will mark 6771 years.