The New Year's Day
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Iftu Ahmed
In 46 BC, the Roman ruler Julius Caesar (100 BC- 44 BC) established January, as the New Year's Day. The Romans were dedicated to Janus, the God of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January, named after Janus, had two faces. One looked forward and the other is looking backward.
In 56 AD, the Christian church outlawed the celebration of New Year, introduced by Julius Caesar.
During the Medieval Period, many European nations used to celebrate March 25 as an Annunciation Day, as a Christian Holiday. By 1600, many Western nations adopted a revised calendar, named the Gregorian calendar, which continues to be followed even now. The new calendar restored January 1 as the New Year's Day.
Almost all the world now follows the Gregorian calendar. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII (1502-1585) established it to rectify the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar follows solar year.
For the Muslims the New Year is the 1st day of Muharram, the first month of Hijri calendar, based on lunar calendar. Under lunar calendar, a year has 354 days. The solar year, followed by Gregorian calendar has 365 days. The Hijri New Year, needing adjustment of 11 days, falls on different dates from year to year.
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Ha-Shanah, is celebrated in September or early October.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated over four days, between January 21 and February 19. On the last night, people wear dragon masks to frighten or delight children.
Hindus in different parts of Hindus celebrate New Year on various dates.
The writer can be reached at
iftuahmed@sbcglobal.net
In 46 BC, the Roman ruler Julius Caesar (100 BC- 44 BC) established January, as the New Year's Day. The Romans were dedicated to Janus, the God of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January, named after Janus, had two faces. One looked forward and the other is looking backward.
In 56 AD, the Christian church outlawed the celebration of New Year, introduced by Julius Caesar.
During the Medieval Period, many European nations used to celebrate March 25 as an Annunciation Day, as a Christian Holiday. By 1600, many Western nations adopted a revised calendar, named the Gregorian calendar, which continues to be followed even now. The new calendar restored January 1 as the New Year's Day.
Almost all the world now follows the Gregorian calendar. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII (1502-1585) established it to rectify the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar follows solar year.
For the Muslims the New Year is the 1st day of Muharram, the first month of Hijri calendar, based on lunar calendar. Under lunar calendar, a year has 354 days. The solar year, followed by Gregorian calendar has 365 days. The Hijri New Year, needing adjustment of 11 days, falls on different dates from year to year.
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Ha-Shanah, is celebrated in September or early October.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated over four days, between January 21 and February 19. On the last night, people wear dragon masks to frighten or delight children.
Hindus in different parts of Hindus celebrate New Year on various dates.
The writer can be reached at
iftuahmed@sbcglobal.net