The History of New Years Resolutions.

The Origins of New Years Resolutions

The   New Year's resolutions tradition has a rich history, stretching back thousands of years. The earliest known instance of making promises at the start of a new year comes from the ancient Babylonians around 4000 years ago. Their new year, called Akitu, was a 12-day festival in the spring (around March). During this time, they promised their gods to return borrowed objects and pay their debts. These promises were not merely personal but also related to their relationship with the divine, with the belief that keeping their word would earn them favor from the gods in the coming year.   

The Religious Influences of the New Years Resolutions:

• Early Christians: The practice of self-reflection and making resolutions was adopted and adapted by early Christians. They used the new year as an opportunity to reflect on their past actions and resolve to improve their behavior in the future, focusing on spiritual growth and repentance.   

• Methodism: In the 18th century, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, formalized this practice with the Covenant Renewal Service. Held on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, this service involved readings, hymns, and the renewal of one's covenant with God, emphasizing spiritual and moral improvement.  

The Rise of Personal New Years Resolutions:

• 17th Century: The concept of making personal, secular resolutions began to gain traction around the 17th century. A notable example is a diary entry from Scottish writer Anne Halkett in 1671, where she wrote about her "Resolutions" for the new year, including the pledge "I will not offend any more."   

• 18th and 19th Centuries: By the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition was widespread enough to be the subject of satire in newspapers and magazines. This shows that the practice was well-established in popular culture, with both the making and the breaking of resolutions being common themes.   

Modern-Day Resolutions:

Today, New Year's resolutions are a secular tradition observed by many people around the world. While the specific resolutions vary greatly, the core idea remains the same: using the start of a new year as a time for self-reflection, setting goals for improvement, and striving to make positive changes in one's life. These resolutions can range from personal goals like improving fitness or learning a new skill to broader aspirations like spending more time with family or making a difference in the community.   

In essence, while the specifics have changed over time, the underlying human desire for self-improvement and new beginnings remains a constant thread connecting us to these ancient traditions.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!. Share your New Year Resolutions below or tell me why you stopped believing in New Years Resolutions instead.