ET Year-end Special Reads
Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024
10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024
How governments tried to rein in the social media beast
If we trace back history, in ancient Rome, the early calendar began the year in March while aligning it with the spring equinox. However, during 46 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar while establishing January 1 as the start of the New Year. This change honored Janus who is the Roman God of beginnings following whom the month of January is named.
In spite of this reform, the acceptance of January 1 as New Year's Day was not at all immediate or universal. It can be certainly noticed that throughout the Middle Ages, numerous countries from the European continent were actually keen to celebrate the New Year on several different dates, among which the highlighting ones were March 25 and December 25 and those were often influenced by religious beliefs.
It was not until the eventual adoption of the pretty significant Gregorian calendar approximately in 1582 specifically by the Catholic countries which was followed by Protestant and Orthodox nations as well, that January 1 became widely recognized as the start of the New Year.
In recent times, January 1 is globally acknowledged as the day of New Year while being marked by diverse customs and several beautiful traditions. Pretty significant and common practices during New Year include making resolutions, attending parties and watching fireworks. However, at the same