New Year

New Year

Fireworks in Rio de Janeiro

The New Year is the time or day at which a new calendar year begins and the calendar's year count increments by one. Many cultures celebrate the event in some manner and the 1st day of January is often marked as a national holiday.

History

The celebration of the New Year is one of the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring). The Romans continued to observe the New Year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.

Modern Celebrations

Western Celebrations

In the Western world, the New Year is celebrated on January 1st, the first day of the modern Gregorian calendar, as well as the Julian calendar used in the Roman Empire since 45 BC. The tradition of celebrating New Year's Day on January 1st was established by Julius Caesar when he introduced his new Julian calendar.

Fireworks display at Victoria Harbour

Eastern Celebrations

In many countries, such as China, the New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated with family reunions, feasting, and various cultural activities.

Other Traditions

In Scotland, New Year's Eve is called Hogmanay. The celebration of Hogmanay is marked by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," a song that is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world.

New Year Around the World

Europe

In many European countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and other festivities. In Spain, it is traditional to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock.

Asia

In Japan, the New Year is celebrated with a festival called Shogatsu. It is a time for family gatherings and traditional foods. In Korea, the New Year is celebrated with a festival called Seollal, which includes traditional games and food.

New Year celebration in 1905

Americas

In the United States, New Year's Eve is celebrated with parties and fireworks. The dropping of the ball in Times Square in New York City is a famous tradition that is broadcast around the world.

Africa

In South Africa, New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks and parties. In Ethiopia, the New Year, known as Enkutatash, is celebrated in September and marks the end of the rainy season.

Cultural Significance

The New Year is a time for reflection and resolution. Many people make New Year's resolutions, which are promises to themselves to improve some aspect of their lives in the coming year.

Related Pages

• Chinese New Year
• Gregorian calendar
• Julian calendar
• Lunar New Year
• Times Square Ball

New Year at Liaohe River Bridge

See Also

• Public holidays
• Fireworks
• New Year's resolution