Misbar’s Analysis
Every year, citizens across the world mark New Year’s Eve on December 31, eagerly counting down to midnight (depending on the time zone of each country).
New Year’s Eve is usually a special day, and each country has its own way to mark the occasion. However, it is common to see people play music, dance, drink, and watch or light fireworks.
Why Is January 1 Marked as the Start of a New Year?
According to The Economic Times, the first New Year was marked around 2000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. However, it was celebrated in mid-March. Things changed in ancient Rome in 46 BCE after Emperor Julius Caesar reformed the calendar and declared January 1 as the start of the New Year. Since then, December 31 has been known as New Year’s Eve and became a universal celebration with the wider adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
January 1 was chosen because it is dedicated to Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, and transitions. The Economic Times revealed that Janus represents the reflection of the past and anticipation of the coming year.
Which Countries Are the First To Mark the New Year?
As countries worldwide have different time zones, Kiritimati Island, commonly known as Christmas Island, is the first to celebrate the New Year. The island is part of the Republic of Kiribati.
After Kiritimati Island, Tonga and Chatham Islands celebrate New Year’s Day at nearly the same time, The Economic Times said.
Which Countries Are the Last To Celebrate the New Year?
The Islands of Baker and Howland, which are uninhabited and fall under the UTC–12 time zone, are the last to mark the New Year and celebrate January 1.
What Are the Weirdest New Year’s Eve Traditions?
- New Year’s Eve Grapes Eating in Spain
In Spain, many people eat 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve to ensure good luck in the coming year. Although this tradition is common in Spain, it is now imitated by people worldwide, Travel Earth revealed.
- New Year’s Eve Mistletoe and Bread in Ireland
To enhance their love life and bring good fortune, single women in Ireland often place mistletoe (a berry associated with fertility in European mythology) under their pillows.
- New Year’s Eve Scarecrow Burning in Ecuador
In Ecuador, people build scarecrow-like effigies, often representing politicians, celebrities, or other famous figures, and set them ablaze at midnight on New Year’s Eve to drive away ill fortune in the coming year.
- New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing in Japan
In Japan, it is traditional to ring bells 108 times in Buddhist temples on New Year’s Eve, hoping to rid themselves of the 108 evil passions people experience.
- New Year’s Eve Circles in the Philippines
In the Philippines, people place round objects (representing coins) around their homes to bring good fortune and attract wealth, Travel Earth also noted.
- New Year’s Eve Colorful Underwear in Latin America
In countries like Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil, wearing colorful underwear on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring specific benefits. For example, red underwear is thought to enhance love life, while yellow underwear is believed to improve financial status.
What Do New Year’s Resolutions Mean?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a New Year’s resolution is a commitment you make to yourself, hoping that in the coming year, you will start doing something good or stop doing something bad.
What Are the Top New Year’s Resolutions?
For 2025, the most common New Year’s resolutions reported were saving money, made by 26% of respondents, followed by physical health goals, and then sports, exercise, or eating healthier, according to a study by YouGov.
What Are the Best Movies To Watch on New Year’s Eve?
Not everyone celebrates New Year’s Eve outside or by partying. Some prefer to stay at home, enjoy a nice meal, and watch one of the most traditional New Year’s movies listed below, according to IMDb:
- When Harry Met Sally
- New Year’s Eve
- About Time
- The Godfather Part II
- Bridget Jones’s Diary
- Trading Places
- Phantom Thread
- Carol
- Sleepless in Seattle
- While You Were Sleeping
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