SR0949LRB102 27081 MST 38464 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The day of April 1 is annually celebrated as the
3Assyrian New Year and is also known as Kha b'Nissan or Akitu;
4and
 
5    WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year is known to be the oldest
6celebration in history and is not only the first day of the new
7year but also marks the start of spring and serves as a symbol
8of revival; and
 
9    WHEREAS, This New Year marks year 6772 in the Assyrian
10calendar; in ancient Assyria, the Assyrian New Year festival
11was celebrated for 12 days, coinciding with the Spring
12Equinox; and
 
13    WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year is recognized and
14celebrated by millions of Assyrians around the world in the
15form of festivals, parades, and parties; men and women will
16gather in traditional clothes and dance in open areas such as
17parks and community centers, and speeches and poetry will be
18shared; and
 
19    WHEREAS, The Assyrian community has a vibrant history and
20heritage rooted in ancient traditions; ancient tablets detail
21magnificent Akitu festivities as they were celebrated

 

 

SR0949- 2 -LRB102 27081 MST 38464 r

1thousands of years ago; some ancient traditions have survived,
2such as the practice of hanging flowers from Assyrian homes,
3known as Diqna d'Nissan or the 'beard of spring'; and
 
4    WHEREAS, In their various countries of origin, including
5Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, governing authorities
6historically infringed on the cultural and linguistic rights
7of Assyrians and prohibited public celebrations of the
8Assyrian New Year; and
 
9    WHEREAS, For Assyrians, both in Illinois and across the
10nation, celebrating the Assyrian New Year serves as a vital
11link to preserving their history and culture; and
 
12    WHEREAS, According to the Assyrian Policy Institute,
13Illinois is home to more than 80,000 Assyrian Americans; and
 
14    WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year serves to remind the State
15of Illinois of the many substantial contributions the Assyrian
16community has made to Illinois and the social fabric of our
17state; and
 
18    WHEREAS, It is imperative that members of the Assyrian
19community across the globe feel seen, valued, and encouraged
20to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage; therefore,
21be it
 

 

 

SR0949- 3 -LRB102 27081 MST 38464 r

1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF
3REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we express our support
4for the Assyrian community and the preservation of a vibrant
5history and heritage rooted in ancient traditions; and be it
6further
 
7    RESOLVED, That we declare April 1, 2022 as "Assyrian New
8Year Day" in the State of Illinois in honor of our fellow
9Illinois residents who celebrate their heritage on this day.