New year’s resolutions are an ancient practice dating back 4,000 years to the Babylonian civilization. They left records of new-year festivities known as Akitu, which is an agricultural celebration and the onset of the farming season in the Spring. Their “resolutions” included planting crops, crowning their king, and promises to repay their debts and return borrowed farming equipment. Ancient Romans practiced similar resolutions having established January 1 as the start of the new year. January was named for Janus, the two-faced Roman god, whom the Romans would make sacrifices for and promises to fulfill good deeds for the coming year. In the medieval era, knights renewed their oath to chivalry by taking the “peacock vow” at the start of the new year. Early Christians held traditions to reflect on the past and plan for a better future.
Cultures all over the world still practice the tradition. Over time, resolutions became less spiritual and religiously centered. Today, New Year resolutions are a more secular practice. Instead of making promises to gods, people make promises to themselves with a universal focus on self-improvement.