The writer joins with friends, relatives and billions of fellow citizens across the State and Country to reflect upon life’s journey as we embark into the New Year. Two pertinent questions would always confront me i.e. what has one done in the year gone by and what one should do in the New Year? As we are marching forward, let us for a moment utter in the words of an ancient prayer – “O! God lead us from untruth to truth; lead us from darkness to light, lead us from death to life.” However, the violence in Manipur and the genocide in Gaza are still gripping the nation and the world with the threat of escalating communal conflagration and war, unless we the people beseech our respective governments to call for an end to this madness and massacre of innocents.
We also contemplate upon another ancient text which points us towards the possibility of being partaker in a new heaven and new earth. The book of Revelations in the Bible spoke about the creation of “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelations 21:1). Some would argue that this is a utopian dream, while others would downplay that it smacks of romanticism. However, this apocalyptic idea was common in ancient Hebrew and the New Testament period as well which only a few Bible preachers would care to exegete the profundity of the theology of a new heaven and new earth.
It’s clear that the concept of a new heaven and a new earth has been the subject of discussion throughout different civilizations. Such a utopian idea acts as a powerful response to the dehumanizing and suffering society. Nonetheless, this ideal world free from injustices and discriminations has captured the imagination of many of us. In the face of socio-political challenges, the belief in the possibility of hope, that another world is conceivable, is a potent and timeless theme. It reflects the deep-seated desire for a world that is free from injustice, inequality and hate. This vision offers a sense of hope and renewal amid adversity.
The discussion around a new heaven and new earth provides an opportunity to respond to the call on how we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate society here and now. To remain committed to justice, probity and equality. It’s a profound theological/philosophical idea that provokes us to ponder on the possibility of transformation and renewal at all levels, be it social, economic, political and personal.
As part of tradition, this new year, many of us have made certain resolutions to bring improvements to one’s life and in our daily dealings with others. The custom of taking new year resolutions has been there for thousands of years and historians are of the view that the people of ancient Babylonians were the first to make new year resolutions about 4000 (four) thousand years ago. Although, during the Babylonian civilization the year did not begin in January, but rather in mid-March when the crops were planted. The Babylonians had recorded their new year festivals also known as Akitu which lasted for 12 (twelve) days during which they made promises to the gods to pay their debts and returned any borrowed objects. These promises made by the people of ancient Babylon were construed to be the forerunners of the modern world’s new year resolutions. It was believed that if these promises were kept, the gods would bestow favor upon the people for the whole year, but if they fail, they would be excluded from the blessings of god(s), a condition which no one wanted.
A similar custom was prevalent in ancient Rome after Emperor Julius Caesar adopted the new Julian calendar around 46 B.C and established January 1 as the beginning of the year. The first month of the year, January, is also named after the two-faced Roman god, Janus, who looks forward to new beginnings as well as backwards for reflection and resolution. The people of ancient Rome also offered sacrifices to the deity and made promises to lead a good life throughout the year. According to Catherine Boeckmann, “New year’s resolutions were also made in the Middle Ages when medieval knights would renew their vow to chivalry by placing their hands on a peacock.”
While for the early Christians, the first day of the New Year became an occasion for soul searching that will lead to a resounding exhortation upon oneself to become better than the past life. The era of Protestantism represents a different picture as the New year’s resolutions had become deeply religious or spiritual whereby people, especially protestant Christians, expressed their desire to develop stronger moral character and to exercise more restraint amidst worldly pleasures. Sarah Pruit wrote that, in 1740 John Wesley who was the founder of Methodists’ movement in England, started the Covenant Renewal Service which was mostly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. It is also known as watch night services and they included Scriptures reading, singing of hymns, prayers and a sermon. This watch night service serves as a religious alternative to the raucous celebrations in secular spaces held to embrace the coming of New year. Such religious practice is a very popular and important affair of the Christian churches, especially Presbyterians, across the Khasi Hills till today. During the watch night services or in New Year’s Church services people would spend making resolutions and engrossed themselves in fasting and praying to beseech for better days ahead of them.
As stated earlier, the apocalyptic hope for a new heaven and a new earth was popular in ancient Biblical society. Numerous Biblical prophecies about the return of Eden, the era of peace and righteousness, were recounted. Isaiah was among the prominent expounders of such themes and the end of sufferings and injustices in which he said, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth… They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build, and inhabit another; They shall not plant, and another eat; The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, Says the Lord”. (Isaiah 65:17-25). In the current context of turmoil, massacre and occupation, every Palestinian who is indigenous to the land as well as every Jew is entitled to materialize this prophetic vision of a new heaven and new earth. The place where they can co-exist and grow as independent nations and cultivate a sense of shared humanity and understanding.
The violent ridden Manipur where thousands were displaced is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who have been uprooted from their homes. Therefore, it is essential for governments and organizations to work together to provide support to the displaced people of Manipur for their safe return to their communities and ensuring access to necessities such as food, shelter, education and healthcare. In this New year, earnest efforts should be made on creating conditions that enable families and individuals to rebuild their lives in dignity and security.
As for us, tribals of Meghalaya, we re-commit ourselves to ancient tenets which have been handed down from generation to generation. The foundational principles of egalitarianism and communitarianism are fast eroding by the onslaught of materialism and crony capitalism. It is imperative to address this erosion and it requires a collective effort to uphold values of equality, equity and communal responsibility.
Embracing the ancient Khasi tenets of “know humanity, know God” and “earn through righteous means” is a profound commitment. These principles emphasize the importance of understanding and empathizing with others as a path to spiritual growth. They are relatable with integrity, fairness and moral uprightness in all aspects of life.
As tribals we must be proud of our ancient and timeless wisdom inherent in these principles. This wisdom has been guiding our actions and interactions with others since time immemorial and they still hold true today. By practicing empathy, seeking to understand different perspectives, and conducting ourselves with righteousness can contribute to creating a more holistic and just society.
May we have a Blessed New Year.
