New Year's Day

About New Year's Day

New Year's Day on January 1 marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the world's most widely used civil calendar. It is a public holiday in virtually every country and is preceded by New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31 — one of the biggest party nights of the year.

The holiday represents a fresh start. People set resolutions, reflect on the past year, and look forward with optimism. From fireworks over Sydney Harbour to the ball drop in New York's Times Square, the arrival of the new year is celebrated across every time zone.

History & Origins

January 1 became the first day of the year in the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. Before that, many ancient civilizations began their year in March (near the spring equinox) or at other astronomically significant moments. When Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582, January 1 was confirmed as New Year's Day, though some countries did not adopt the change until centuries later.

Many New Year traditions have ancient roots: making noise to ward off evil spirits, opening doors at midnight to let the old year out, and sharing food and drink with neighbours as a symbol of abundance in the coming year.

How It's Celebrated

• Fireworks — Major cities around the world put on spectacular fireworks displays at midnight.
• Countdown events — Public gatherings, concerts, and televised countdowns mark the final seconds of the old year.
• New Year's resolutions — Setting personal goals for the year ahead is a widespread tradition in Western countries.
• Traditional foods — Black-eyed peas in the American South, lentils in Italy, grapes in Spain (one for each stroke of midnight), and mochi in Japan are all believed to bring good luck.
• First-footing — In Scotland and northern England, the first person to cross a threshold after midnight (ideally a tall, dark-haired man carrying gifts) brings good fortune for the year.