New Year’s Day – A historical perspective

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 5^th 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 11^th 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.