Every year people observe the end of one year as the beginning of another, celebrating the hope and prosperity it brings. For most of us, it is a secular celebration with emphasis on indulgence and romance. But the glitters speak of spiritual roots that go deep for this ancient holiday.
The celebration of New Year started over thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia, during mid March. Egyptians and Persians used the concept of Vernal Equinox and celebrated New Year in March- April. And the Greeks celebrated it on the day of the Winter Solstice. For a long time, no standard was followed internationally to mark a New Year, until January 1st got universally accepted.
So, let’s see the cycle of events that made this day a day to start over!
Following the Tradition – Having only 10 months in their calendar, Romans declared 1st of March as the beginning of a New Year. This still reflects in our present day calendars as months from September to December are positioned as 7th to 10th month following their Latin names Septem – 7, Octo – 8, Novem – 9 and decem – 10. Isn’t it interesting?
Julius Caesar’s Update – He threw away the solar based system and declared 1st January as the start of the new year based on the Lunar concept.
Abolition by the middle ages – Considering the new year festivities Pagan and unchristian, people in the middle ages did away with them and all around the medieval Christian Europe they celebrated only 25th December as the birth of Jesus.
Restoration of January 1 – In 1582 the Gregorian Calendar restored January 1 as the day to mark the beginning of a New Year. By 1752, all countries including the British Empire and American Colonies adapted to this and it became the day accepted worldwide as the day to usher in the new year and celebrate new beginnings
Who would have imagined that celebrating new year used to be so complicated? Anyway, have a happy and prosperous new year 2K17!
