FOR the Hebrews in the Promised Land, the secular year began with plowing and sowing, which occurred in what is now September/​October.

In Moses’ time, however, God told His people that the religious year was to begin with the month of Abib, or Nisan, in the spring. (Ex. 12:2; 13:4) A festival that took place in this month involved the barley harvest.​—Ex. 23:15, 16.