New Year 2023: History, Significance And All That You Need To Know About January 1

Back in 45 BCE, January 1 became officially recognised as the start of a new year. Prior to then, there were 355 days in the Roman calendar, which started in March.

New Delhi:  New Year's Day is a joyful occasion observed on January 1 every year. Around the world, people celebrate the event with their loved ones and friends, sending them luck and best wishes for the upcoming year. On this day, people decorate their homes, gather with friends and family, cook for them, and even make plans to go on excursions. 

New Year 2023: History

Back in 45 BCE, January 1 became officially recognised as the start of a new year. Prior to then, there were 355 days in the Roman calendar, which started in March. When Julius Caesar became the dictator of Rome, he changed the Calendar. He established January 1 as the first day of the year in part as a tribute to Janus, the Roman deity of beginnings, whose two faces gave him the ability to see both the past and the future.

However, it wasn't widely accepted until the middle of the 16th century CE in Europe. With the rise of Christianity, December 25—the day of Jesus' birth—became acceptable and January 1—the start of a new year—was recognised as pagan. It didn't gain widespread acceptance until Pope Gregory revised the Julian calendar and declared January 1 to be the first day of a new year.

Additionally, it is thought that the new year began around 4,000 years ago, around the year 2,000 BC, in ancient Babylon. On the first new moon following the vernal equinox, the Babylonians observed the new year with an 11-day celebration known as Akitu that featured a distinct ceremony on each of the days.

New Year 2023: Significance

Many nations start their New Year's celebrations on December 31, often known as New Year's Eve, and continue through the early hours of January 1. Revellers consume meals and snacks that are said to bring them luck. Traditions like singing songs and watching fireworks are followed all around the world. Many people make resolutions for the upcoming year because January 1 is a great opportunity to start making positive improvements.

In many countries, New Year's Day is also a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the start of a new year.