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Akitu, the New Year’s Festival is one of the most complex and important ceremonies of Babylonians. Starting at the Spring Equinox (Nisan, the first month of the year), this festival continues for twelve days. It involves purification, the re-establishment of creation, and the re-affirmation of life, death, and the family. The rituals re-enforce the bonds of the community between the people, their Gods, and leaders. (In Ancient Babylon, elaborate and lengthy rituals for the Akitu were conducted. Modern followers of the Babylonian Gods usually have much simpler and fewer ceremonies.)

The New Year’s Festival encompasses nearly all of the tenets of Babylonian religion. First, everyone prepare for the coming year by purifying themselves and their temples. Then, the Babylonian Story of Creation (Enuma Elish) is read, beginning with the formation of the world by Apsu, the Deep and Tiamat, the Primordial Mother, to the recreation of it by Marduk. During this part of the Festival, the statues of the Babylonian Gods are brought from their temples to Marduk’s shrine.

In Ancient Babylon, the King left Babylon to travel to Borsippa (“Second Babylon”) to the temple of Nabu, Marduk’s Son and First Minister. After the King returned with that shrine’s statue, he humbled himself in the temple of Marduk. In an elaborate ritual, the King confessed what he has not done to harm his people. Finally, the King received a divination from Nabu for the coming year, which was recorded by the scribes.

Meanwhile, Marduk (the God) goes missing. While the people go into mourning believing that He is dead, Marduk’s son, Nabu leads the other Gods into the Underworld to rescue His Father. Demonstrating his love, Nabu brings Marduk home to be installed as the Head of the Gods.

The Akitu of Ancient Babylon featured the Sacred Marriage with the King acting as the God occurs with the priestess as the Goddess. The couple could represent Marduk and his wife Sarpanitu, Goddess of Childbirth or Nabu with his wife, Nanaya, Goddess of Fertility. The Marriage was to ensure the fertility of the land and to raise the king as a representative of the Gods.

After the final procession of the statues of the Gods returning to their respective temples, the priests dispense the decisions made by the Gods for the coming year. During a lengthy ritual, everyone hears their destinies and reaffirm their love for the Gods. Following feasting, the people return to their ordinary lives. Harmony between humans, nature, and the Gods has been restored.

(From the “Cultic Calendars of the Ancient Near East” by Mark E. Cohen)

The following is a translation of ritual instructions, dating to 251 B.C., on escorting Anu from the ReS-temple in Uruk to the akitu-house outside the walled city on the first day of the festival. After Anu has gone out from the Enamenna, and arrives at the High-Gate, all the exorcists chant the (Babylonian) spell “The King Has Gone Out” three times.

The exorcists stop, and then the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and the brewers who are tied to the carrying- poles shall greet Anu, (saying) “Great Anu, heaven and earth greet you!”

After the prayers, the exorcists chant the (Babylonian) spell “The King Has Gone Out” four times along the Street of the Gods.

The High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and the brewers who are tied to the carrying- poles shall greet Anu, (saying) “Great Anu, heaven and earth greet you!”

After the prayers along the Street of the Gods, the exorcists chant the (Sumerian) spell “The King, Who in Heaven and Earth Surpasses All Other Kings” four times.

They stop, and the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and those tied to the carrying-poles shall recite the same (prayer) to Anu as before.

After the prayers, the exorcists chant the (Sumerian) spells “The King is Coming to the Festival” and “From the Holy Water Basin” seven times until (they arrive at) the Holy-Quay, the wharf of the Boat of Anu, (along) the Street of the Gods.

They stop, and the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and those tied to the carrying-poles greet Anu. Upon Anu’s arrival at the wharf of the Boat of Anu, the exorcists and the temple personnel chant the (Sumerian) spell “He has Sailed the Cargo Ship.”

Afterwards the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and those tied to the carrying-poles shall recite the same prayer to Anu as before.

From the upper wharf of the Holy-Quay to the King’s-Gate the exorcists will recite the spell “He who surpasses all kings, after He has passed by in the holy street” seven times.

They stop, and at the King’s-Gate, the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and those tied to the carrying-poles greet Anu. From the King’s-Gate to the akitu-house (the house of prayer), the exorcists chant the same spells as at the Street of the Gods.

They stop (chanting) the spells, and the High Priest, the exorcists, the temple personnel and the brewers tied to the carrying-poles recite the greeting seven times and greet Anu.

When Anu arrives at the Akitu-house, the exorcists recite the (Sumerian) spells:

“Holy House, House of the Gods.”

“Anu, My King, Your Good Heart.”

“(In) the Banquet Hall, At the Evening Meal of Anu.”

“He Befitting the Lofty Dais.”

and the (Babylonian) spells: “The House Has Been Purified” and “The Dwelling of the Great Gods.”

They recite:

“Great Anu, may heaven and earth greet you! May Enlil, Ea and Belet-ili joyously greet you! May the pair of Gods Sin (the moon) and Samas (the sun) greet you with their countenance. May Nergal and the Seven Gods greet you with kindness in their hearts. May the Igigi of heaven and the Anunnaki of earth greet you! May the Gods of the subterranean waters and the Gods of the sacred mound greet you! May They greet you daily, each day, month and year.”

The procession and prayers establishes Anu’s domain. He consults with the other Gods, and then decides the fates of the humans for the coming year. The people reaffirm their devotions to Him and the other Gods.

Notes:

Exorcists: The Asipu who are both diviners and doctors.

Seven Gods: A group of beneficent Gods who protect against demons.

Ea: Akkadian for Enki

Belet-ili: Akkadian for Ninlil

Seven and Four: Magical numbers

Igigi: The Great Gods of Heaven

Anunnaki: The Gods of Earth and Underworld

Further reading:

Jeremy Black and Anthony Green, “Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia”

The Wheel of the Year in Mesopotamia starts at the Vernal Equinox. This is celebrated as zagmu, “the turning of the year.” (Note 1) At this time, the major festival of Akitu focuses on the Gods returning to their cities for the new year. Then, the Gods are re-installed as the leaders of each city. The spring harvest of barley is blessed. At the end of Akitu festival, the Gods determine the destiny of the people for the coming year.

The Akitu (New Year’s) Festival is one of the most complex and important ceremonies in Mesopotamia. Starting at the Spring Equinox, this festival continues for twelve days. It involves purification, the re-establishment of creation, and the re-affirmation of life, death, and the family. The rituals re-enforce the bonds of the community between the people, their Gods, and leaders. (In Ancient Mesopotamia, elaborate and lengthy rituals for the Akitu were conducted. Modern followers of the Mesopotamian Gods have a much simpler ceremony.)

During the Akitu, the God’s statue is taken on the Boat of Heaven to the Akitu house outside the city walls. (This is the house where the God resides when They are on the earth.) During the first three days, offerings are made at the Boat of Heaven and at the Akitu house – during daybreak, evening, and midnight. Afterwards, the statue of the God is taken through the city and welcomed.

Originally, the Akitu focused on Nanna-Suen, the Moon God. He is the God of Time, measuring the months by the waxing and waning of the moon. Later each city held the Akitu festival for their principal Gods. The Nippur Compendium lists the Gods for the Akitu (Note 2). According to Mark Cohen, Akitu festivals were celebrated at Uruk for Anu, Beltu-sa-Uruk, and Usur-amassa; at Babylon for Marduk and Nabu, at Nippur for Marduk, Ninurta, and Nanna-Sin.

The Ishtar Gate lists a ritual for modern Sumerian Polytheists to follow. The following is a summary:

Day before Akitu: Reflect on the past year.

Day 1. Remove the statues from your altar to a ceremonial Akitu-House.

Day 2. Make offerings at the Akitu-House. Reflect on the Gods in your life.

Day 3. Read the “Enuma Elish”

Day 4. Day of Atonement. Reflect on how to do better in the coming year.

Day 5. Clean your home, take a bath, and clean the altar.

Day 6. Praise the Gods. Read “Enki and the World Order.”

Day 7. Take statues back to the altar and make offerings.

Notes:

Note 1. “Zagmu” translates to “the New Year” or “Spring.” It is believed that the term denoted the spring fruit, or the yield of the first month.

Note 2. Nippur Compendium:

Marduk ,for His Supreme Divinity

Ninurta, for His Father Enlil

Ishtar (Inanna), the Queen of Nippur

Nanna-Sin

Sources:

Jeremy Black and Anthony Green, “Gods, Demons and Symbols of Ancient Mesopotamia”

Mark Cohen, “Festivals and Calendars of the Ancient Near East.”

The Ishtar Gate, https://theishtargate.com/

The beginning of the Sumerian year starts at the Spring Equinox. (Note 1) This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” (Note 2) This is the time to take stock, review personal affairs, and financial accounts. Moreover, affirm the Gods as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

For Sumerians, the month is called Barazagar, (Note 3) which is thought to be mean “throne of the sanctuary.” During this month, the statues of the Gods are placed by either side of the Throne of Enlil, This is the time that Enlil holds court. First Offerings are made to the Gods. Later in the month, there were offerings made to the temples of Enlil and His Consort, Ninlil.

The Akiti-Sekingu, “the Festival of Barley Consumption,” starts at the full moon, after the harvest. At this festival, presents of bread and beer (burumai) are given. Offerings are made to Nisaba ((Tashmetum) Goddess of Grain), Nanshe (Goddess of Divination) or Ningirsu (God of the Floods) (depending on the city). On the first day of the festival, the God, their Family, and Associates receive offerings. On the second day, the God receive the most offerings. On the final day, only the God receives any offerings. (These offerings are barley, dates and dark beer.)

From a “Hymn to Nisaba:”

In order to make grain and vegetable grown in the furrow,

So that the excellent corn can be marvelled at,

That is, to provide for the seven great throne-daises

By making vegetables shoot forth, making grain shoot forth,

At harvest, the great festival of Enlil,

She in her great princely role has verily cleansed (her) body,

Has verily put the holy priestly garment on (her) torso.

(N.B. This alludes to the beauty of the grain being harvested.)

The Akitu Festival in Ur, Sumer honors the coming of Nanna, the God of the Moon. The entry of Nanna is celebrated, with his statue brought in by barge from the akitu house (a building outside of the city). (The akitu house is where the God temporarily lives while He is on the earth.) Depending on the Sumerian city, Nanna, Ninurta (God of Farming and War), Enlil (Holder of the Tablet of Destinies) or Inanna (Goddess of Love and War) are celebrated. (Note 4) Modern Sumerian Polytheists usually choose between the four Gods to honor.

Notes:

Note 1. The Sumerians had a lunar calendar, and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Modern Sumerian Polytheists follow the reconstructed calendar of the holy city of Nippur.

Note 2. “Zagmu” translates to “the New Year” or “Spring.” It is believed that the term denoted the spring fruit, or the yield of the first month.

Note 3. This month’s logogram was utilized for the Standard Mesopotamian Calendar month, Nisaanu.

Note 4. The Nippur Compendium lists the Gods for the Atiku.

Marduk, for His Supreme Divinity

Ninurata, for His Father Enlil

Ishtar (Inanna), the Queen of Nippur

Nanna-Sin

The beginning of the Babylonian year starts at the Spring Equinox. (Note 1) This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” (Note 2) At this time, people take stock, review their personal affairs, and check their financial accounts. Then they affirm the Gods as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

According to Assyrian Astrolabe B, Nisannu, the first month of the year is for Nanna (Sin), the God of the Moon. “The month Nisannu, the dais of Anua King is removed and a King is installed; a good start for Anu and Enlil; the month of Nanna-Suen, the first-born of Enlil.” An incantation from Nimrud reiterates this: “May the month Nisannu, (the month) of Anu and Enlil, absolve! The first month belonged to the First of the Gods.”

During Nisannu (the new moon after the equinox) the Akitu, the New Year Festival is held for twelve days. It starts with purifications, and then the “Enuma Elish” (the Babylonian Creation Epic) is read. This myth begins with the original creation of the world by Tiamat, the Goddess of Chaos, and Apsu, the God of Waters. Later Anu, a God from the succeeding generation becomes the “Father of the Gods.” Eventually, He cedes his powers to Enlil, from yet a newer generation of Gods, who seeks to overthrow the original Gods. After Enlil kills Apsu, Tiamat wages war on the newer Gods. In desperation, Enlil goes to Marduk, the principal deity of Babylon, for help. On the condition that He is made the Ruler of the Gods, Marduk agrees. After killing Tiamat, Marduk remakes the world from her body.

During the Akitu, Marduk disappears. While his and Nabu’s temples are being cleansed, the people search for Him. At this time, they carry the statues of the other Gods to Marduk’s temple. Meanwhile, Nabu, the Scribe of the Gods and Marduk’s Minister, searches for and then frees Marduk from the Underworld. Then in his temple, the priests re-enthroned Marduk as the Ruler of the Gods. (Note 3) Afterwards, they do divination for the coming year. The festival ends with celebrations and the return of the Gods to their shrines. (Note 4)

Meanwhile to begin the growing season, the King would enact a sacred marriage with the temple priestess of Ishtar (Inanna). Their mating is to reaffirm the marriage of Ishtar, the Goddess of Fertility, with her husband, Tammuz (Dumuzi). These marriage rites ensure that the King is accepted as one of the Gods, and blessed by Ishtar, who also blesses the crops.

Notes:

Note 1. The Babylonians had a lunar calendar and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Between 1750 – 1500 BCE, they standardized their calendar – the Standard Mesopotamian Calendar to unify their empire.

Note 2. “Zagmu” translates to “the New Year” or “Spring.” It is believed that the term denoted the spring fruit, or the yield of the first month.

Note 3. This called the “Installation of the King,” which could either mean Marduk, Himself or a human king.

Note 4. The Stages of the Pageantry for Marduk are

At His Temple

Between curtains

At His Sacred Dwelling

On the Throne of Destinies

Procession through the streets

Journey by barge

Residing at the Akitu House

After His Temple is cleansed, the stages are reversed.

The beginning of the Sumerian year starts at the Spring Equinox. This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” This is the time to take stock, review personal affairs, and financial accounts. Moreover, the Gods are affirmed as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

For Sumerians, the month is called Barazagar, which is thought to be mean “throne of the sanctuary.” During this month, the statues of the Gods are placed by either side of the Throne of Enlil. This is the time that Enlil holds court. First Offerings are made to the Gods.

The Akiti-Sekinku, “the Festival of Barley Consumption,” starts at the full moon, after the harvest. At this festival, presents of bread and beer (burumai) are given. Offerings are made to Nisaba ((Tashmetum) Goddess of Grain), Nanshe (Goddess of Divination) or Ningirsu (God of the Floods) (depending on the city). On the first day of the festival, the God, their Family, and Associates receive offerings. On the second day, the God receive the most offerings. On the final day, only the God receives any offerings. (These offerings are barley, dates and dark beer.)

From a “Hymn to Nisaba:”

In order to make grain and vegetable grown in the furrow,

So that the excellent corn can be marvelled at,

That is, to provide for the seven great throne-daises

By making vegetables shoot forth, making grain shoot forth,

At harvest, the great festival of Enlil,

She in her great princely role has verily cleansed (her) body,

Has verily put the holy priestly garment on (her) torso.

(N.B. This alludes to the beauty of the grain being harvested.)

The Akitu Festival in Nippur, Sumer honors the coming of Nanna. The entry of Nanna is celebrated, with his statue brought in by barge from the akitu house (a building outside of the city). (The akitu house is where the God temporarily lives while He is on the earth.) Depending on the Sumerian city, Nanna, Ninurta, Enlil or Inanna are celebrated. Modern Sumerian Polytheists usually choose between the four Gods to honor.

Note: The Sumerians had a lunar calendar and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Modern Sumerian Polytheists follow the reconstructed calendar of the holy city of Nippur.

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The beginning of the Babylonian year starts at the Spring Equinox. (Note 1) This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” At this time, people take stock, review their personal affairs, and check their financial accounts. Then they affirm the Gods as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

According to Assyrian Astrolabe B, Nisannu, the first month of the year is for Nanna (Sin), the God of the Moon. “The month Nisannu, the dais of Anu, the king is installed and invested (with authority); the month of Nanna-Suen, the first-born of Enlil.” An incantation from Nimrud reiterates this: “May the month Nisannu, (the month) of Anu and Enlil, absolve! The first month belonged to the First of the Gods.”

During Nisannu (the new moon after the equinox) the Akitu, the New Year Festival is held for twelve days. It starts with purifications, and then the Enuma Elish (the Babylonian Creation Epic) is read. This myth begins with the original creation of the world by Tiamat, the Goddess of Chaos, and Apsu, the God of Waters. Later Anu, a God from the succeeding generation becomes the “Father of the Gods.” Eventually, He cedes his powers to Enlil, from yet a newer generation of Gods, who seeks to overthrow the original Gods. After Enlil kills Apsu, Tiamat wages war on the newer Gods. In desperation, Enlil goes to Marduk, the principal deity of Babylon, for help. On the condition that He is made the Ruler of the Gods, Marduk agrees. After killing Tiamat, Marduk remakes the world from her body.

During the Akitu, Marduk disappears. While his and Nabu’s temples are being cleansed, the people search for Him. At this time, they carry the statues of the other Gods to Marduk’s temple. Meanwhile, Nabu, the Scribe of the Gods and Marduk’s Minister, searches for and then frees Marduk from the Underworld. Then in his temple, the priests re-enthroned Marduk as the Ruler of the Gods. (Note 2) Afterwards, they do divination for the coming year. The festival ends with celebrations and the return of the Gods to their shrines.

Notes:

Note 1: The Babylonians had a lunar calendar, and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Between 1750 – 1500 BCE, they standardized their calendar – the Standard Mesopotamian Calendar to unify their empire.

Note 2: This called the “Installation of the King,” which could either mean Marduk, Himself or a human king.

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The Babylonian calendar is divided into two halves – the vernal and autumn equinoxes. They usher in the periods of disharmony between the Sun and the Moon. From March to September, Utu, the Sun, is triumphant, and from September to March, Nanna-Suen is more visible. At the spring equinox, the Akiti Se-kintu (the Festival of the Harvest) is held. At the autumn equinox, it is the Akiti-Su-numun (the Festival of the Seeding). In the month of September/October (Note 1.), the focus is on the Autumn Equinox and the coming darkness.

Nanna-Suen

At the Akiti-Sunumun, the emblems of Nanna-Suen are cleaned. Hailed as “Father Nanna, when You sail (across the sky) like a ship on flood waters,” the Moon God loads his Boat with gifts of trees, plants, and animals. He sails from city to city bringing the people fertility. For this reason, The Boat of Nanna-Suen also receives offerings. The Great Offerings to Nanna-Suen are made at the New Moon (the first of the month), the Quarter Moon (seventh), and Full Moon (the fifteen). Modern Sumer Reconstructionists will bake cupcakes for the Great Offerings. (Note 2.)

Kinunu (Brazier Festival)

From the eighth to the eighteenth days of the month, the Kinunu (Brazier Festival) is held. For this festival, people wear their new clothes. Using fresh olive oil, they light their braziers to keep burning throughout the Kinunu. The First Fire of the coming cold and early darkness is honored.

Duku (Festival of the Sacred Mound)

At the end of the month, the Duku (Sacred Mound) festival is held. After feasting with family and friends, homage is made to the Ancestors. Lamentations are read and milk is offered to Endukuga (Lord of the Sacred Mound) and Nindukuga (Lady of the Sacred Mound). They are the Great Ancestors of the Elder Gods, who lived at the Duku. (This was the place of Heaven and Earth before the two parts were separated by Enlil.)

Inanna

At this time, the Descent of Inanna is re-enacted to ensure that the land is fertile. Her Descent into the Underworld is the hinge between the dry and rainy seasons. Inanna dies but is rescued. Since someone has to replace Her in the Underworld, Dumuzi, Her Shephard Consort, goes down for six months. His sister, Geshtinanna, Goddess of Autumn Wines, takes his place the other six months.

Note 1: In Sumer, this month is called “Duku”, and in Babylon, “Tairitu.”

Note 2: The Great Offering was originally cattle, beer, milk, honey, and grain. Today, cupcakes made with grain, honey, and milk are offered.

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Babylon

The beginning of the Babylonian year starts at the Spring Equinox. (Note 1) This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” At this time, people take stock, review their personal affairs, and check their financial accounts. Then they affirm the Gods as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

According to Assyrian Astrolabe B, Nisannu, the first month of the year is for Nanna (Sin), the God of the Moon. “The month Nisannu, the dais of Anu, the king is installed and invested (with authority); the month of Nanna-Suen, the first-born of Enlil." An incantation from Nimrud reiterates this: “May the month Nisannu, (the month) of Anu and Enlil, absolve! The first month belonged to the First of the Gods.”

During Nisannu (the new moon after the equinox) the Akitu, the New Year Festival is held for twelve days. It starts with purifications, and then the Enuma Elish (the Babylonian Creation Epic) is read. This myth begins with the original creation of the world by Tiamat, the Goddess of Chaos, and Apsu, the God of Waters. Later Anu, a God from the succeeding generation becomes the “Father of the Gods.” Eventually, He cedes his powers to Enlil, from yet a newer generation of Gods, who seeks to overthrow the original Gods. After Enlil kills Apsu, Tiamat wages war on the newer Gods. In desperation, Enlil goes to Marduk, the principal deity of Babylon, for help. On the condition that He is made the Ruler of the Gods, Marduk agrees. After killing Tiamat, Marduk remakes the world from her body.

During the Akitu, Marduk disappears. While his and Nabu’s temples are being cleansed, the people search for Him. At this time, they carry the statues of the other Gods to Marduk’s temple. Meanwhile, Nabu, the Scribe of the Gods and Marduk’s Minister, searches for and then frees Marduk from the Underworld. Then in his temple, the priests re-enthroned Marduk as the Ruler of the Gods. (Note 2) Afterwards, they do divination for the coming year. The festival ends with celebrations and the return of the Gods to their shrines.

Meanwhile to begin the growing season, the King would enact a sacred marriage with the temple priestess of Ishtar (Inanna). Their mating is to reaffirm the marriage of Ishtar, the Goddess of Fertility, with her husband, Tammuz (Dumuzi). These marriage rites ensure that the King is accepted as one of the Gods, and blessed by Ishtar, who also blesses the crops.

Notes:
Note 1: The Babylonians had a lunar calendar, and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Between 1750 - 1500 BCE, they standardized their calendar - the Standard Mesopotamian Calendar to unify their empire.

Note 2: This called the “Installation of the King,” which could either mean Marduk, Himself or a human king.

Sumer

The beginning of the Sumerian year starts at the Spring Equinox. This turning of the year is called zagmu, “the border of the year.” This is the time to take stock, review personal affairs, and financial accounts. Moreover the Gods are affirmed as the supreme authorities of the cosmos.

For Sumerians, the month is called Barazagar, which is thought to be mean “throne of the sanctuary.” During this month, the statues of the Gods are placed by either side of the Throne of Enlil, This is the time that Enlil holds court. First Offerings are made to the Gods.

The Akiti-Sekinku, “the Festival of Barley Consumption,” starts at the full moon, after the harvest. At this festival, presents of bread and beer (burumai) are given. Offerings are made to Nisaba ((Tashmetum) Goddess of Grain), Nanshe (Goddess of Divination) or Ningirsu (God of the Floods) (depending on the city). On the first day of the festival, the God, their Family, and Associates receive offerings. On the second day, the God receive the most offerings. On the final day, only the God receives any offerings. (These offerings are barley, dates and dark beer.)

From a “Hymn to Nisaba:”

In order to make grain and vegetable grown in the furrow,
So that the excellent corn can be marvelled at,
That is, to provide for the seven great throne-daises
By making vegetables shoot forth, making grain shoot forth,
At harvest, the great festival of Enlil,
She in her great princely role has verily cleansed (her) body,
Has verily put the holy priestly garment on (her) torso.
(N.B. This alludes to the beauty of the grain being harvested.)

The Akitu Festival in Nippur, Sumer honors the coming of Nanna. The entry of Nanna is celebrated, with his statue brought in by barge from the akitu house (a building outside of the city). (The akitu house is where the God temporarily lives while He is on the earth.) Depending on the Sumerian city, Nanna, Ninurta, Enlil or Inanna are celebrated. Modern Sumerian Polytheists usually choose between the four Gods to honor.

Note: The Sumerians had a lunar calendar, and added months beyond the 12-month year. They kept their year keyed to the equinoxes. Modern Sumerian Polytheists follow the reconstructed calendar of the holy city of Nippur.

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Akitu of Babylon
An Akitu Ceremony for Anu, the Father of the Gods (at Uruk)
The Akitu (New Year’s Festival) of Mesopotamia
Sumerian Month: March/April: New Year
Babylon Month: March/April: New Year
SUMER MONTH: MARCH/APRIL: NEW YEAR
BABYLON MONTH: MARCH/APRIL: NEW YEAR
BABYLONIAN MONTH: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
New Year in Babylon and Sumer

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Akitu of Babylon

An Akitu Ceremony for Anu, the Father of the Gods (at Uruk)

The Akitu (New Year’s Festival) of Mesopotamia

Sumerian Month: March/April: New Year

Babylon Month: March/April: New Year

SUMER MONTH: MARCH/APRIL: NEW YEAR

BABYLON MONTH: MARCH/APRIL: NEW YEAR

BABYLONIAN MONTH: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

New Year in Babylon and Sumer

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