You might be surprised to learn that the tradition of decorating a tree during the New Year dates back to the lands of Mesopotamia. Let’s take a quick journey through history and explore not only the origins of tree decorating but also the rich New Year rituals of Mesopotamia — a celebration of renewal and transformation.

A Tradition Passed Down from Mesopotamia: Decorating Evergreen Trees

One of the oldest New Year traditions, decorating a tree, originates from the polytheistic Pagan era. Known as the “Tree of Light” or “Tree of Radiance,” evergreen trees — which never shed their leaves and remain green all year long — were once considered sacred objects of worship. Later on, these trees began symbolizing eternity and abundance, embodying the love and protection of nature.

Throughout history, many ancient civilizations regarded various trees as divine beings. The concept of the “Tree of Life” that appears in both mythology and religious texts is rooted in these beliefs. Among the civilizations that saw trees as sacred, the Assyrians and Celts were particularly prominent. The Assyrians of Mesopotamia viewed evergreens as symbols of immortality and prosperity and decorated them as part of ritual practices.

This made tree decorating an integral part of Mesopotamian New Year celebrations. Later, the tradition merged with Christian customs and the tree-worship culture of the Celts in Northern Europe, continuing all the way to the present day.

The modern custom of decorating trees began in 17th-century Germany. Initially, trees in front of houses were adorned, but since not every home had one, people began bringing cut trees indoors to decorate. So, what many of us assume to be a purely Christian tradition actually traces back to ancient Mesopotamia.

Mesopotamian New Year: The Akitu Festival

The sacred rituals of Mesopotamia extended far beyond tree decorating. Known as Akitu or Akitum, the Mesopotamian New Year festival dates back to around 2000 BCE. While the exact purpose of the festival remains a topic of debate among religious historians and Assyriologists, it is widely believed to have emerged as a cultural expression of seasonal renewal, calendar cycles, and agricultural fertility.

Many scholars agree that Akitu was also a time of sharing knowledge — making it a vital event for cultural transmission and the advancement of Western civilization. Led by the Babylonians and Assyrians, the Akitu Festival played a major role in the evolution of religion, mythology, and ritual theory. Celebrated every year in April to concide with spring, Akitu symbolized rebirth, fertility, life, and awakening.

From then until now, perhaps the only thing that has changed is the date we choose to celebrate the New Year. What hasn’t changed is the deeper meaning: a time to refresh, transform, and look forward with hope.

So, how about welcoming this year’s New Year spirit by starting with your own renewal? Try picking up a new hobby, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or embracing your inner explorer by traveling more. The choice is yours — and the transformation starts with you.