Tracing Back to Ancient Babylon
The tradition of New Year's resolutions isn't a recent phenomenon. In fact, it dates back over 4,000 years, with the ancient Babylonians being the first recorded people to celebrate a new year. Their festival, Akitu, marked the start of the spring planting season in March. Unlike today’s resolutions, the Babylonians focused on pledging loyalty to the king and committing to pay debts and return borrowed items.
The Roman Influence
The transition to the modern-day Gregorian New Year began in ancient Rome in 46 B.C. Emperor Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar, setting January 1 as the new year's start. This shift from March to January was to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, who could look both backward and forward in time. The Romans, like the Babylonians, made resolutions for good behavior, often involving sacrifices to Janus.
Medieval Traditions
Moving into the Middle Ages, the practice of making New Year's resolutions continued, albeit in different forms. Knights, for instance, would take the “Peacock Vow” annually to reaffirm their commitment to the values of knighthood.
The Evolution in Modern Times
The concept of New Year’s resolutions as we understand it today can be traced back to 1671, with an entry from Anne Halkett’s diaries. This practice became increasingly common in the 19th century, often subject to satire as people frequently failed to keep their resolutions. (according to Merriam-webster dictionary)
New Year's Resolutions and Modern Business Decisions
Fast forward to today, the notion of starting anew, symbolized by New Year's resolutions, is as relevant in business and innovation as in personal life. Particularly in the tech industry, making a resolution or decision to start a new project or business is crucial. A significant step in this process is protecting your ideas, now made easier with advancements in AI. Filing for a provisional patent application, for instance, can be a quick and insightful process with the help of AI-based tools.
Embracing the Future with SenseIP
As 2024 dawns, we at senseIP encourage you to harness your creativity and ambition. Whether it's realizing dreams, advancing human knowledge, or starting a new venture, the beginning of a new year is a symbolic moment to take that leap.
Our team is committed to supporting you from the outset, helping you nurture and protect your ideas.
Here’s to a year filled with health, innovation, and success. Happy New Year!
