Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Comics #136 (1953)

   Tomorrow is more than a brand new day, it’s a brand new year.

   Traditionally, today and tomorrow are the time to cast off any burdens that have held us back in the past. Today – or tomorrow – is the time for New Year’s resolutions.

    To usher in 2026, Bugs Bunny plays protagonist to foils Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam. Both merely want to be less antagonistic during the coming year, but Bugs just wants to turn a buck.

   Unlike the animated adventures, the enterprising bunny finds business can be bitter sweet.

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Comics #136 (February 1953)

   As for the business of the day, New Year’s resolutions originated with the Babylonians as far back as 4,000-years ago. However, their celebrations were held in March to coincide with the planting of new crops and the religious 12-day  ceremony of Akitu.

   In addition to pledging fealty to a new or reigning king, the Babylonians would make promises to their gods.

   Continuing with a similar practice, the Romans offered sacrifices and pledged to do good deeds for their god Janus. Named for forward and backward looking pagan god, January became the first month of the year in 46 B.C. Romans would offer sacrifices and promises to do better in the coming year.

   Christians adopted a similar habit. On the first day of the new year they would reflect on past mistakes with promises of better behavior.

   An English clergyman and the founder of Methodism, John Wesley created the  Covenant Renewal Service held on New Year’s Eve or Day. Events would include hymn singing and scripture reading. At one point, resolutions were made for the new year.

   Today New Year’s resolutions are more of a tradition rather than a religious obligation. Data records, on average, about 45-percent of Americans make their promises, but a mere eight percent actually keep them.

   Whatever you decide, happy New Year.