Mark Your Calendars: Assyrian New Year 2013 Celebrations and Dates are Announced

As the world ushers in the New Year, Assyrians across the globe are also preparing to celebrate their ancient tradition of Akitu - the Assyrian New Year. But when is Assyrian New Year 2013?

The Assyrian New Year usually falls on April 1st and is celebrated for thirteen days. It marks the beginning of the spring season and is a time for renewal, forgiveness, and reflection.

Why is it celebrated for thirteen days? According to Assyrian folklore, the number thirteen represents the thirteen gods who defeated the evil goddess Tiamat.

But did you know that the celebration of Akitu was banned in Iraq under Saddam Hussein's regime? Fortunately, after his fall from power, the tradition was revived and is now celebrated worldwide by Assyrians.

The celebration of Akitu begins with the raising of the Assyrian flag and a traditional dance called the Hagba. The dance represents the triumph of good over evil.

Throughout the thirteen days, Assyrians participate in special prayers, feasts, and cultural events. One traditional dish that is served during this time is called kileche - a sweet pastry filled with dates or nuts.

Another important aspect of Akitu is the lighting of the bonfire, which symbolizes the burning of the old year and the welcoming of the new year.

But why should non-Assyrians care about this ancient tradition? Well, it is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Assyrian people and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

In addition, it is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate diversity and unity.

So mark your calendars for April 1st and join in the festivities of the Assyrian New Year celebration. Whether you are Assyrian or not, it is a time to reflect, forgive, and embrace the promise of a new beginning.

"When Is Assyrian New Year 2013" ~ bbaz

Introduction

The Assyrian New Year is a holiday celebrated by the Assyrian people worldwide. It marks the beginning of the Assyrian calendar and is a time for renewal, reflection, and celebration. The date of the Assyrian New Year varies each year, and in this article, we will discuss when Assyrian New Year 2013 is.

What is Assyrian New Year?

Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, is a traditional Assyrian festival that has been celebrated for over 6,000 years. It usually takes place on the first day of April, which is the start of the Assyrian calendar. Assyrians around the world celebrate it by holding parades, consuming traditional dishes, and dancing to Assyrian music.

When is Assyrian New Year 2013?

Assyrian New Year in 2013 fell on April 1. However, the exact date can vary from year to year, depending upon the position of the moon and the vernal equinox.

The Importance of the Assyrian New Year

The Assyrian New Year is a significant event for Assyrians worldwide. It symbolizes the start of spring and marks the end of the long winter months. It is also a time for forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation, just like most new year celebrations around the world.

How is it Celebrated?

Assyrian New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the festivities continue for several days. To start things off, Assyrians usually attend church services in traditional clothing. Afterward, there are parades featuring traditional Assyrian music and dance. Assyrians also prepare delicious meals, including sushi, dolma, and kubi, among others.

Some Assyrian New Year Traditions

There are various customs and traditions associated with Assyrian New Year. One such tradition is the lighting of fires, which symbolizes purification and renewal. Additionally, Assyrians decorate eggs during this time, and these eggs represent new beginnings and hope for the future.

What Else to Expect

In addition to the parades and traditional meals, people enjoy spending time with friends and family. They also exchange greetings of sinaw, which translates to happy new year. The occasion is also a time for reflection and setting personal goals for the upcoming year.

Conclusion

Assyrian New Year is a special time for Assyrians worldwide. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year on April 1, and is a time for renewal, reflection, forgiveness, and peace. If you haven't had the chance to experience a traditional Assyrian New Year celebration, make sure to mark your calendars for next year's celebration!

When is Assyrian New Year 2013: A Comparison

Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu or Akiti, is an ancient festival celebrated by the Assyrian people. The holiday marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. Assyrian New Year is celebrated on different dates depending on the denomination and geographical location of the Assyrians. In this article, we will compare the dates and traditions of Assyrian New Year in three regions: Iraq, Syria, and the diaspora.

Assyrian New Year in Iraq

Iraq is home to the largest population of Assyrians in the world, and thus, their traditions and customs have a significant impact on the holiday. In Iraq, Assyrian New Year is celebrated on April 1st, which coincides with the vernal equinox. The day before the new year, Assyrians clean their houses and gather wheat or barley grains for the celebration. On the day of Akitu, Assyrians attend church services, followed by a feast with family and friends. The feast includes traditional dishes such as dolma, kebab, and pacha.

Dates:

Region	Date
Iraq	April 1st

Traditions:

• Cleaning the house
• Gathering grains
• Attending church services
• Feasting with family and friends

Assyrian New Year in Syria

Syria, like Iraq, also has a significant Assyrian population, but due to the ongoing conflict in the country, many Assyrians have fled to neighboring countries. In Syria, Assyrian New Year is known as Kha B'Nisan and is celebrated on April 13th. The celebration involves visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts, and attending church services. Traditional Assyrian dishes such as kubbeh and tashreeb are served during the festivities.

Dates:

Region	Date
Syria	April 13th

Traditions:

• Visiting family and friends
• Exchanging greetings and gifts
• Attending church services
• Serving traditional Assyrian dishes

Assyrian New Year in the Diaspora

The Assyrian diaspora refers to Assyrians living outside their historic homeland of Mesopotamia. Assyrian New Year is celebrated by the diaspora community on different dates depending on the location. In Australia and New Zealand, it is celebrated on April 1st, while in Europe and North America, it is celebrated on April 5th.

Dates:

Region	Date
Australia and New Zealand	April 1st
Europe and North America	April 5th

Traditions:

• Attending church services
• Gathering with family and friends
• Serving traditional Assyrian dishes
• Dancing and singing Assyrian folk songs

Comparison of Dates and Traditions

The dates of Assyrian New Year vary depending on the region, with Iraq celebrating on April 1st, Syria on April 13th, and the diaspora on April 1st (Australia and New Zealand) or April 5th (Europe and North America). However, all regions share common traditions such as attending church services, feasting with family and friends, and serving traditional Assyrian dishes.

One notable difference in tradition is the gathering of grains, which is unique to Iraq. Additionally, the diaspora community often incorporates Assyrian folk songs and dances into their celebrations.

Opinion

As an AI language model, I do not have any personal opinions or beliefs. However, it is worth acknowledging the resilience of the Assyrian people and their ability to maintain their traditions and customs despite displacement and persecution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Assyrian New Year is a significant holiday for the Assyrian people, marking the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. While the holiday is celebrated differently in each region, the common threads of religion, food, and familial bonds unite Assyrians around the world. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Assyrian people have remained steadfast in preserving their heritage and traditions.

When Is Assyrian New Year 2013?

Introduction

The Assyrian New Year is a special event that is celebrated not only by the Assyrian community but also by many around the world. This event marks the beginning of a new year, a time for renewal, and an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future. In this article, we will discuss the date of Assyrian New Year 2013 and how it is celebrated.

What is Assyrian New Year?

Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu or Akiti, is an ancient celebration that dates back to the Babylonian era. It is believed that the festival was initially held in honor of the god Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon. With time, the festival came to be associated with the arrival of spring and the agricultural cycle. Thus, it became an occasion to celebrate the renewal of life and the hope for a successful harvest.

When is Assyrian New Year 2013?

Assyrian New Year 2013 falls on April 1st according to the Gregorian calendar. It is important to note that the Assyrian calendar is different from the Western calendar. The Assyrian calendar is solar-lunar, which means it is based on the cycles of the sun and moon. Therefore, the date of Assyrian New Year varies each year and may fall between March 20th and April 21st.

How is Assyrian New Year Celebrated?

The celebration of Akitu usually lasts twelve days, during which the Assyrian community participates in various activities and events. The first day of the celebration is called Shilma, which means smelling the breeze.On this day, people wear traditional clothes and gather in churches for prayers and hymns. On the second day, children gather in parks, where they participate in games and activities. On the third day, known as Pulu, houses are cleaned in preparation for the rest of the festival.The fourth day is dedicated to visiting friends and family and sharing meals. On the fifth day, people gather in local parks or community centers for picnics and outdoor activities. The sixth day marks the beginning of the new year, and people celebrate by lighting bonfires.The seventh day is reserved for visiting graveyards and paying respect to ancestors. On the eighth day, people visit their pastors for blessings and prayers. The ninth day is dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have passed away.The tenth day sees people gathering in parks or public spaces for more festivities and entertainment. On the eleventh day, people attend special church services and participate in musical performances. Finally, on the twelfth day, the festival comes to an end, and people reflect on its significance.

Closing Thoughts

The Assyrian New Year is a time to celebrate life, rekindle relationships, and mark the beginning of a new cycle. This festival is an embodiment of the Assyrian culture and tradition and provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together and strengthen its bonds. By following the tips and traditions of this event, we can all learn to appreciate the beauty of life and the significance of new beginnings.

When Is Assyrian New Year 2013?

The Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, is a traditional celebration that dates back thousands of years. It marks the beginning of the agricultural new year, and was typically celebrated in March or April depending on the lunar calendar. Assyrians all over the world celebrate this holiday with various traditions and festivities. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the Assyrian New Year, and answer the question: When is Assyrian New Year 2013?

The history of the Assyrian New Year goes back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was celebrated as the first day of the spring festival. The name Akitu comes from the Akkadian word for barley, which was an important crop for the people of ancient Mesopotamia. The festival included rituals that were believed to ensure a good harvest, such as the purification of the temple and the installation of a new king.

After the spread of Christianity, the Assyrian New Year became associated with the Feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary. Today, Assyrians celebrate the holiday on April 1st, which coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Assyrian New Year is a time for renewal and hope, as well as a celebration of the rich culture and history of the Assyrian people. It is a time when families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional dances and music.

One of the most important traditions associated with the Assyrian New Year is the lighting of bonfires, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Another important tradition is the wearing of new clothes and the exchange of gifts, which is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Assyrian New Year is also a time to remember and honor the ancestors who have passed away. Many families visit their loved ones' graves and offer prayers and food as a sign of respect.

When it comes to the question of when Assyrian New Year 2013 will be celebrated, the answer is April 1st, 2013. This date marks the beginning of the agricultural new year, and is an important holiday for Assyrians around the world.

If you are planning to celebrate Assyrian New Year 2013, there are many ways to get involved in the festivities. You can participate in traditional dances and music, visit with family and friends, and enjoy the delicious food that is often associated with the holiday.

Additionally, many Assyrian organizations and communities hold events and celebrations to mark the holiday. These events may include performances, food, and other activities that are open to the public.

Whether you are a member of the Assyrian community or simply interested in learning more about this rich cultural tradition, Assyrian New Year is a special time of year that is not to be missed.

In conclusion, the Assyrian New Year is a celebration of culture, history, and hope. It is a time for families to come together, for traditions to be honored, and for the future to be embraced. If you are fortunate enough to celebrate Assyrian New Year 2013, we wish you a joyous and memorable holiday.

When Is Assyrian New Year 2013?

FAQs About Assyrian New Year 2013

1. What is the Assyrian New Year?

The Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, is an ancient celebration of the Assyrian people to mark the beginning of the new year. It is celebrated on April 1st every year.

2. How is the Assyrian New Year celebrated?

The Assyrian New Year is celebrated with a variety of traditions and activities, including:

• Lighting bonfires in public places and jumping over them
• Dancing and singing traditional Assyrian songs
• Preparing traditional Assyrian foods and sharing them with family and friends

3. What is the significance of the Assyrian New Year?

The Assyrian New Year is significant to the Assyrian people as it is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings. It is also a time to honor their ancestors and reaffirm their cultural identity.

4. Is the Assyrian New Year only celebrated by Assyrians?

The Assyrian New Year is primarily celebrated by the Assyrian people, but it is also celebrated by other Mesopotamian communities, including the Chaldeans and the Babylonians.

5. What can I do to celebrate the Assyrian New Year?

If you wish to celebrate the Assyrian New Year, you can:

1. Learn more about Assyrian culture and traditions
2. Attend local celebrations and festivals
3. Try cooking and enjoying traditional Assyrian foods

Overall, the Assyrian New Year is a celebration rich in tradition, culture, and history. It is an opportunity to come together with loved ones, celebrate new beginnings, and honor one's heritage.