Discover the fascinating history behind New Year’s resolutions and how they evolved over time into a modern tradition.
London: So, you know how every January, folks start talking about their New Year’s resolutions? Well, it turns out this tradition has some pretty ancient roots. It’s not just a modern fad!
People often think resolutions are a new thing, but they actually date back thousands of years. The Ancient Babylonians were among the first to make resolutions about 4,000 years ago. Their New Year kicked off in mid-March, not January.
During a big 12-day festival called Akitu, they would promise to pay off debts and return borrowed items. They believed that sticking to these promises was crucial to staying in the good graces of their gods.
Fast forward to 46 BC, when Julius Caesar changed the calendar, making January 1 the start of the New Year. This was linked to Janus, the two-faced god who looked both back at the past and forward to the future.
For early Christians, the New Year was a time to reflect on past mistakes and aim for better choices ahead. In 1740, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, introduced the Covenant Renewal Service, which many still celebrate today.
These days, though, most people’s resolutions are more about personal goals than religious commitments. It’s all about self-improvement now, with folks making promises to themselves rather than to any deities.
As for what people are resolving to do today, a recent survey showed that many want to save money, get fit, or learn new skills. Interestingly, younger people are more likely to make resolutions than older folks.
But here’s the kicker: keeping those resolutions is tough! A study found that only about 28% of people managed to stick to all their resolutions. Many just keep some, while a good chunk admits they don’t keep any at all.
So, if you’re thinking about making resolutions, maybe start small. Life coaches suggest setting easy goals that you can actually stick to. It’s all about making it manageable and fun!