Title: Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Assyrian New Year.
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
This resolution expresses appreciation for the Assyrian-American community and joins in celebrating the Assyrian New Year.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 288 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 288

 Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Assyrian 
                               New Year.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 1, 2021

  Mr. Harder of California (for himself and Ms. Eshoo) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
                                Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Assyrian 
                               New Year.

Whereas the day of April 1, 2021, is celebrated as Assyrian New Year, an event 
        known to many by several different names including Kha b'Neesan, Ha b' 
        Nisin, Akitu, or Resha d'Shet;
Whereas Kha b'Neesan is not only the first day of the new year, but it also 
        marks the start of spring and serves as a symbol of revival;
Whereas this New Year marks year 6771 in the Assyrian calendar;
Whereas Assyrian New Year is typically recognized and celebrated by millions of 
        Assyrians in the form of marches, parades, and parties;
Whereas men and women will gather together in traditional clothes and dance in 
        parks, or families may come together in cultural centers to enjoy hours 
        of poetry;
Whereas Assyrian women and girls gather flowers and herbs that are then strung 
        from the roof of their homes, a centuries old tradition known as Diquna 
        d'Nissan, meaning the ``beard of Spring'';
Whereas the Assyrian community has a vibrant history spanning over six 
        centuries;
Whereas, in ancient Assyria, the New Year festival was celebrated for 12 days;
Whereas this occasion was the biggest festival in the ancient Assyrian and 
        Babylonian Empires;
Whereas historical cuneiform tablets have shown that the New Year celebrations 
        were the most significant events of the year;
Whereas tens of thousands of people from all over the Assyrian Empire would 
        travel to its capital city, Nineveh, to participate in the massive 
        celebrations led by the Assyrian King;
Whereas it was also common practice for couples across Assyria to be married in 
        groups at a time, and later, the brides would pay a visit to every 
        household in their city to receive blessings and gifts;
Whereas, following the fall of the Assyrian Empire, the Assyrian community faced 
        numerous hardships and several restrictions that were placed on their 
        culture;
Whereas for example, after the formation of Turkey, Assyrians were prohibited 
        from holding public celebrations of the New Year;
Whereas it was not until 2005 that Assyrians in Turkey were first permitted to 
        publicly celebrate Kha b'Neesan;
Whereas for Assyrians, both in the United States and abroad, celebrating Kha 
        b'Neesan serves as a vital link to preserving their history and culture;
Whereas 4,500,000 Assyrians are currently dispersed across the globe with 
        members of the diaspora comprising nearly one-third of the world's 
        population;
Whereas estimates place approximately 120,000 individuals of Assyrian heritage 
        in the United States;
Whereas Kha b'Neesan serves to remind the United States of the many substantial 
        contributions the Assyrian community has made to the world and to the 
        social fabric of the United States; and
Whereas it is imperative that members of the Assyrian community across the globe 
        feel seen, valued, and encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its appreciation for the vibrancy, tenacity, 
        and contributions of the Assyrian-American community;
            (2) recognizes the cultural importance and history 
        surrounding the observance of Kha b'Neesan for Assyrians; and
            (3) joins the Assyrian community across the world in 
        celebrating Kha b'Neesan and wishes all who observe this 
        holiday a healthy and prosperous new year.
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