Why do we observe New Year's Day on January 1st?

S Venkateshwari
Why do we observe New Year's Day on january 1st?


On january 1st, people all throughout the world will unite to celebrate the start of a new year as the clock strikes midnight and fireworks light up the sky. You have undoubtedly planned your New Year's Eve celebration and prepared your wardrobe. The world will say goodbye to 2023 on january 1 and welcome 2024 with the hope of a better and more affluent future. On december 31, New Year's Eve, people get together with friends and family to celebrate the magnificent event with gifts, lavish feasts, parties, and more. New Year's customs, which range from lavish fireworks displays to cozy family get-togethers, perfectly capture the spirit of saying goodbye to the past and welcoming the promise of the future. The arrival of a new year is a symbol of happiness, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future. Learn more about the history, meaning, customs, and other aspects of the New Year's celebration on january 1. 

In 45 BC, january 1st was initially observed as the beginning of a new year. Prior to that, the Roman calendar had a 355-day duration and started in March. The calendar was altered by Roman tyrant Julius Caesar once he came to power. The first day of the year is january 1st, partly in remembrance of the month's namesake, Janus, the Roman deity of beginnings, whose two data-faces permitted him to look both forward into the future and backward into the past.

But it wasn't until much later in the 16th century that it became universally accepted in Europe. Following the advent of Christianity, january 1st, the start of the new year, was regarded as pagan while december 25th, the day of Jesus' birth, was recognized. It wasn't widely acknowledged until Pope Gregory modified the Julian calendar to make january 1 the official start of the year. Moreover, it is believed that in ancient Babylon, the new year started about 2,000 BC, or more than 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians initiated an 11-day celebration known as Akitu to commemorate the new year. It took place on the first new moon after the vernal equinox, which falls in late March. Every day of the event featured a unique ceremony.




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