Almost every
culture possesses a notion of time. It is specifically significant to the
rhythms of the community life and its people. Related to birth, marriage, death
and the advent of harvesting, food gathering and hunting, seasons are linked
with the cycle of nature that marks renewal.
Also, there
are a series of ‘extraordinary times’, the most significantly widespread is the
‘first time’, which is celebrated in certain communities like the event of a boy
becoming an adult. With it are linked certain noticeable events like that of
killing a bird, fish or tortoise. Besides, in most cultures there is an
absolute first time, for example, “the time of the creation of the cosmos”
being the object of complex celebration.
The
significance of the ‘first time’ is because the act performed happens to be
new, fresh and invigorating. The inherent theme of the New Year is a recitation
and remembrance of the creation of the cosmos on the anniversary to help
strengthen the cosmos and the community as a whole.
Before setting
down finally on the calendar, the first day of the years has undergone
metamorphosis many a time. It makes interesting reading in history. In the
Gregoriancalendar this day occurs 12 days earlier than in the Julian. The
Greeks, until the 5th century B. C., began their year with the winter
solstice (December 21). The Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians commenced it at
the autumnal equinox (September 21). The Jews reckoned their civil year from
first day of the month of Tishri (September 6‑October 5) but their
ecclesiastical year begins at the spring equinox (March 21).March 25 was
usually observed as New Year’s Day by most Christians in the early medieval
days.
However, in Anglo-Saxon England December 25 was New Year’s Day. William
the Conqueror ordered in the 11th century that the New Year should
commence on January 1 but later, England began its years, with the rest of Christendom,
on March, 25. The Gregorian calendar (1582) restored January 1 to its position
as New Year Day. Other countries followed it up gradually, for instance,
Scotland in 1660; Germany and Denmark about 1700, England 1752, Sweden in 1753
and the Soviet Union in 1918.
Celebration
of New Year’s Day is one of the oldest and most universally accepted festivals
of human civilization which has been in vogue for more than 5000 years. Scholars
striving to discern and draw a common pattern to New Year scenarios have
outlined it broadly as an act of purification can endeavour to clean society
from its past.
With the
attributes of modern culture making inroads in our life, this day has assumed
significance and as a mark of reviewing and conceiving the passage of time, the
triumph and omissions of the past and anticipating a bright future. Arrival of
this special day is, thus, impatiently awaited for the ceremonies.
It begins
with New Year’s Eve, traditionally observed and celebrated with singing in
churches. The midnight hour is the occasion to welcome New Year loudly with
fire crackers exploding, merrymaking and dancing. In parties, arranged for the
occasion people sing and rejoice.
People with faith in astrology, look into the
astrologer’s columns in newspapers and magazines to read their fortunes during
the coming year. It is interesting to note that in the west some people observe
the direction of the wind too, like this:
“If on New Year’s Eve night it blow
south
That betokeneth warmth and growth;
If north, much cold and storms will
be;
If east, the trees will bear much
fruit;
If north-east, flee it man and brute”
These people
believe that what ever happens at this prophetic hour is sure to influence the
course of the coming year.
The day has
gained a socio-cultural tint and celebrated with great gusto, greeting friends
and relatives and exchanging pleasantries for a prosperous future.
