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New Year is the most awaited day of the year. Not the day itself, but that whole period makes the day most special, full of excitement. January 1, every year, is celebrated as the New Year in almost all worldwide. It is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian and Julian calendars.

That entire period between Christmas and New Year excites most of us. A new year belongs more to the Christian calendar as it marks the feast of the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, all over the world, this day is celebrated in a grand way. Digging deep into it.

History Of This Festival

The Roman calendar had designated March 1 as the first day of the year. The calendar had just 10 months beginning from March, while the two months, January and February, were missing. According to Roman Mythology, their king Numa discovered the two months, January and February, earlier named Lanuarius and Februarius, respectively. And these were placed after December, at the end of the year but resulted in the 1st two months of the year.

The January kalend(the Latin word for calendar), the start of January, came to be celebrated as the new year after it became the day for the inaugurating new consuls(Roman officials ) in 153 BC. New Year Eve has more influence on the Gregorian and Julian calendars.

About New Year Day

For the Christian community, it plays a very important role. Christians and people of every religion celebrate it as an eve. But it has a high impact on Christian history as it marks the feast of naming and circumcision of Jesus, which is still observed in the Anglican Church, the Lutheran Church, and the highest officials of the churches. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates this day as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. There also exists a ritual of Thanksgiving during the eve.

Earlier it was a custom of exchanging gifts during this period (also known as the winter solstice). From celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 to celebrating the naming ritual of Christ, this period marks itself as an important festival in world history.

New Year Day Is Different For Some Calendars

• The Olunde festival (African New Year) is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of June.
• The Slotho people of South Africa celebrate "Selemo sa Basotho" on August 1 during the end of the Southern Hemisphere's winter.
• The Chinese new year is usually celebrated from January 20 till February 20 (but it's still a legal holiday on January 1 in China).
• Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1.
• North Koreans celebrate the New Year' Day holiday on the first day of the Gregorian calendar, January 1.
• Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) is celebrated on April 13 or 14
• Thai New Year is celebrated on April 13 or 14 and is called Songkran.
• Vietnamese New Year normally falls between January 20 and February 20.

New Year In India Is Elebrated In Different Dates As Below Mentioned

Indian New Year has several variations depending on the region and is based mostly on the Hindu calendar. But generally, the highest ratio of celebrating it is on January 1.

• The Diwali festival marks the Gujarati new year and Marwadi culture.
• For the Hindu religion, new year is the first day of Chaitra Month, also known as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada or Gudi Padwa, which generally falls between 23-24 March.
• Malayalam New Year is celebrated in mid-April, which is known as Vishu.
• Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1.
• The Sikh New Year is celebrated as per the Nanakshahi calendar. It falls on March 14.
• Tamil New Year (Puthandu) is celebrated on April 13 or 14.
• Telugu New Year (Ugadi) and Kannada New Year (Yugadi) are celebrated in March and April.

Celebrations Of New Year

January 1 is marked as the new year. The midnight of December 31 it's celebrated as the zero night. Many gatherings at public places, hotels, and resorts would celebrate their hearts. All welcome the new year, from food and drinks to bursting the crackers in large amounts. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays. People celebrate the day with more positivity and with open hearts. Making new resolutions and leaving out old habits is a common ritual. Different kinds of activities, such as parades, music concerts, picnics, sports, and new year parties, occur in most parts of the world. Different regions include their regional activities and festivities.

Traditions For The New Year

Many countries celebrate New Year from the evening of December 31 until the early hours of January 1, with several meals and snacks to bring good fortune in the coming year.

Grapes are known as a symbol of hope by the Spanish people.

Legumes in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States have been a traditional New Year eve dish because they are thought to resemble coins and future financial success.

Pork is also a popular New Year dish in some countries, as pigs are believed to represent progress and prosperity.

Rice pudding with an almond hidden inside it is served on New Year Eve in many countries. It is said that whoever finds the almond will be blessed with twelve months of good fortune.

Key Attraction Of New Year

The unique attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival are:

• Music
• Dance
• Feasts
• Gifts
• Parties