The history of New Year’s resolutions

Once again, it is that time of the year where many of us make our annual New Year’s resolutions which unfortunately are usually broken by the end of January, but have you ever wondered how the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions started?
According to Wikipedia, the tradition, which is common in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres, actually has its origin in various religions. The Babylonians made promises to their gods every year that they would return borrowed objects and pay off their debts, while the Romans started each year by making promises to the god Janus. The month of January was named for Janus. In Medieval times, knights would take the “peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season to affirm their commitment to chivalry.
The modern day practice of New Year’s resolutions credit their origins in part to the Christian season of Lent, where people of faith promise to give up something of pleasure from Ash Wednesday until Easter. While Lenten promises are more sacrificial in nature, New Year’s resolutions are usually based on self improvement.
Currently, about 40 percent of American adults make resolutions, as opposed to about 25 percent at the end of the great depression.

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