The New Year’s celebration was first observed in Babylon about 4000 years ago.
For most of the people, the start of the New Year means another chance to clean up their lives, correct the bad habits and plan for a better year.
In every country it has been a tradition to welcome the New Year with spectacular fireworks display, fun-filled celebrations, live concerts, family gatherings and sumptuous food.
The New Year’s Eve marks the beginning of the 365-day Gregorian calendar and most people around the world would celebrate this annual event with social gatherings and special events.
The first places to welcome the New Year are Christmas Islands, Kiribati and Samoa.
Interesting facts about New Year’s Day celebration
- The month of January serves as the door to every New Year. It comes from the Latin word “janua” which means door. It is also named for “Janus” or “Januaris” who is the Roman god for doorway.
- The New Year’s resolution was first started by the ancient Babylonians. They have made promises to their gods that if they borrow any objects, they would be returned or if they have debts, they would be paid.
- In ancient times, fireworks and noisemaking on New Year’s Eve were done to disperse evil spirits and remove bad luck.
- In Scotland, the New Year is called “Hogmanay”. On New Year’s Eve, people are on the streets burning and rolling barrels of tar to welcome the New Year.
- In United Kingdom, when the Big Ben clock strikes at 12 midnight, the people would gather and sing a Scottish song ‘Auld Lang Sine’ with the message of remembering the good old days.
- In China, the New Year is celebrated during the new moon or between the 17th and 19th of January. The celebration is called “Yuan Tang” featuring lanterns to bright the way and fireworks to dispel bad spirits travelling around the globe.
- The Japanese people would always wear a new dress during New Year and decorate their houses with bamboo and pine trees symbolizing long life.
- The people in Italy, Netherlands and Portugal celebrate New Year by attending church service and visiting their relatives and friends. They also give money as a gift on New Year’s Day.
- In Spain, people would eat 12 grapes at 12 midnight. For them, this means security in the coming 12 months.
How to say and greet Happy New Year in other language
- China – Chu Shen Tan / Xin Nian Kuai Le
- French – Bonne Annee
- Finland – Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
- German – Prosit Neujahr
- Greece – Kenourios Chronos
- Hawaii – Hauoli Makahiki Hou
- Hong kong ( Cantonese) – Sun Leen Fai Lok
- Italy – Felice anno nuovo
- Japan – Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
- Korea – Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo!
- Phillipines – Manigong Bagong Taon
- Spain – Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
May every New Year brings hope of peace, love and happiness to mankind.
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