Sumerian holidays and festivals

The Sumerian civilization, which existed in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 4000-2000 BCE, celebrated a number of holidays and festivals. Here are some of the most important Sumerian holidays and festivals:

1. Akitu: The Akitu festival was a major religious event that celebrated the new year and the re-establishment of order in the universe. It was a time for the renewal of vows with the gods and the cleansing of sin.
2. Zagmuk: Zagmuk was another new year festival that was celebrated around the same time as Akitu. It was a time for the purification of the king, who was seen as the representative of the people, and for the renewal of the political and social order.
3. Nammu: Nammu was a festival dedicated to the goddess of the same name, who was seen as the mother of all the gods. The festival was a time for offering thanks to the goddess for her role in creation and for seeking her protection and blessings.
4. Guda: Guda was a harvest festival that celebrated the end of the agricultural year. It was a time for offering thanks to the gods for the bounty of the harvest and for asking for their blessings for the next season.
5. Shulgi: Shulgi was a festival dedicated to the god of the same name, who was the patron of music and the arts. The festival was a time for celebrating the cultural achievements of the Sumerian people and for offering thanks to the god for his blessings.

These are some of the most important holidays and festivals celebrated by the Sumerian people. The exact dates and rituals associated with each festival may have varied over time and across different regions.