SR0949 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0949 LRB102 27081 MST 38464 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The day of April 1 is annually celebrated as the Assyrian New Year and is also known as Kha b'Nissan or Akitu; and

WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year is known to be the oldest celebration in history and is not only the first day of the new year but also marks the start of spring and serves as a symbol of revival; and

WHEREAS, This New Year marks year 6772 in the Assyrian calendar; in ancient Assyria, the Assyrian New Year festival was celebrated for 12 days, coinciding with the Spring Equinox; and

WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year is recognized and celebrated by millions of Assyrians around the world in the form of festivals, parades, and parties; men and women will gather in traditional clothes and dance in open areas such as parks and community centers, and speeches and poetry will be shared; and

WHEREAS, The Assyrian community has a vibrant history and heritage rooted in ancient traditions; ancient tablets detail magnificent Akitu festivities as they were celebrated thousands of years ago; some ancient traditions have survived, such as the practice of hanging flowers from Assyrian homes, known as Diqna d'Nissan or the 'beard of spring'; and

WHEREAS, In their various countries of origin, including Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, governing authorities historically infringed on the cultural and linguistic rights of Assyrians and prohibited public celebrations of the Assyrian New Year; and

WHEREAS, For Assyrians, both in Illinois and across the nation, celebrating the Assyrian New Year serves as a vital link to preserving their history and culture; and

WHEREAS, According to the Assyrian Policy Institute, Illinois is home to more than 80,000 Assyrian Americans; and

WHEREAS, The Assyrian New Year serves to remind the State of Illinois of the many substantial contributions the Assyrian community has made to Illinois and the social fabric of our state; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that members of the Assyrian community across the globe feel seen, valued, and encouraged to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we express our support for the Assyrian community and the preservation of a vibrant history and heritage rooted in ancient traditions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare April 1, 2022 as "Assyrian New Year Day" in the State of Illinois in honor of our fellow Illinois residents who celebrate their heritage on this day.