Sumer Calendar: November/December

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 In Sumer, the ninth month is a time of storms, and is called Gan-gan-e, “the month of clouds coming out.” This month current name is an abbreviated form of Gan-gan-mu-e, the traditional name. “Gan-gan-e” is the name of the festival called “The Clouds Coming Out,” which occurs at the end of the month.

 

This wintry month is dedicated to Ninurta, the Storm God. (Storm Gods are protectors of the order of the universe.) During this month of storms, people hold footraces in honor of Ninurta. These races commemorate his victory over the Anzu Bird, which had stolen the Tablets of Fate. At the start of the races, people shout, “The Anzu is vanquished! Go and inform all the Gods!” The footrace recreates Ninurta’s chasing away the winter with his hail storms.