Assyrian New Year

Assyrian New Year is an annual Assyrian holiday with an ancient history that plays a major cultural role for the Assyrian people. The holiday is celebrated on April 1.

History

The history of the Assyrian New Year dates back to the days of the Assyrian Empire. This ancient state existed from the 17th century B.C. to the 7th century B.C. and was ultimately destroyed as a result of conflicts with Media and Ancient Babylon.

The celebration of this day has been preserved in the modern traditions of the peoples living in the territories of the former Assyrian Empire. At that time, the New Year celebrations lasted for 12 days, with April 1 playing a significant role in ancient society as it was closely tied to agricultural work.

Assyria gained the status of an independent state in the 14th century B.C. After its collapse, the former Assyrian territories were divided between what is now Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey. Various armed conflicts in these regions led to the dispersion of Assyrian descendants across different countries, which is why the Assyrian New Year is celebrated in various parts of the world by representatives of Assyrian culture.

Interesting Facts

• The holiday is often referred to as “Akitu.”
• The holiday is seen as a “new beginning” because, on April 1, trees are already in full bloom and nature comes to life. It is also the time when chickens and lambs are born.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about Assyrian New Year traditions. You can engage with the Assyrian community to honor the traditions of their ancestors and celebrate the day.

Spread the word about the holiday on social media. Let more people know about it!

When is Assyrian New Year in 2025?

Assyrian New Year is observed on April 1 each year.

Observations