Tis the season, and you can’t avoid it. Love them or hate them, New Year’s resolutions are upon us. 

Historians can track resolution-like activity to ancient Babylonians almost 4000 years ago. Akitu was a 12-day religious ceremony to mark the new year that traditionally took place when crops were planted. The Babylonians would also crown or reaffirm their king and promise to their gods that like good Babylonians, they’d pay back any debts this year. It’s the last action that’s looked at as the first New Year’s resolutions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.