Assyrian calendar facts for kids
The Assyrian calendar is a special way of keeping track of days and years. It's a calendar that follows the cycles of the moon. This calendar started a very long time ago, in the year 4750 BC. That's even before many ancient civilizations!
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The Assyrian Calendar: A Look Back in Time
How Old is This Calendar?
The Assyrian calendar is one of the oldest calendars still used today. Its starting point, 4750 BC, is linked to an old guess about when the first temple in a city called Assur was built. This temple was very important to the Assyrian people.
To figure out the Assyrian year, you can add 4750 to the year in the calendar we usually use today (the Gregorian calendar). For example, if it's the year 2016 in our calendar, you would add 4750 to get the Assyrian year 6766. This shows how many years have passed since the Assyrian calendar began.
Where is the Assyrian Calendar Used?
The Assyrian calendar is still celebrated every year by many people. It is especially important to Assyrians around the world. This calendar is officially recognized in several countries. These include Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Armenia, Jordan, and Lebanon. It is also used in parts of Turkey and Iran.
Many Assyrian communities in these places use this calendar for important dates. They use it to mark their new year and other special events. It helps them stay connected to their history and culture.
Celebrating the Assyrian New Year
The Assyrian new year is a very important celebration. It is called Kha b'Nissan, which means "First of April." This day marks the beginning of spring and new life. People celebrate with parades, music, and traditional dances. It's a time for families and friends to gather. They remember their heritage and look forward to the future. This celebration shows how important the calendar is to their identity.
