Christian or Gregorian New Year falls on January 1st. Countries
following the Gregorian Calendar celebrate the New Year on this date.
Gregorian Calendar is a modification of the Julian Calendar established
by the Roman Emporer, Julius Caesar in 46 BC. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII
of Rome, abolished Julian Calendar as it was slightly long and caused
vernal equinox to drift backwards in the calendar year (January 1 to
December 31). Gradually Gregorian Calendar gained acceptance in several
countries across the world as it created a balance between seasons and
calendar.
Christian/Gregorian New Year Traditions
New Year traditions create a sense of responsibility and also ties an
emotional bond of togetherness, belief and faith. New Year traditions
are being followed with immense devotion and joy by the people of
Christian community. Tradition of
New Year
Baby is used as a symbol of rebirth by many Christians. Image of a
baby with New Year's banner is displayed at many houses.
New Year festivities are incomplete without singing the traditional
Auld Lang Syne song. It means
'the good old days'. People sing this song altogether on the New Year's
Eve. Traditionally, it is thought one's fate is determined according to
the type of food consumed on the first day of the year. People prepare
auspicious meals and celebrate the New Year by eating black-eyed peas.
Similar to this, the tradition of first-footing is also practiced very
seriously by Christians. The visitor should be a tall and dark-haired
man.
One tradition of the season is the making of
New Year's resolutions. Many
people keep New Year resolutions in the coming year. They even pledge to
get their desires fulfilled. Modern New Year resolutions are the promise
to lose weight or quit smoking and many more.
Another famous tradition of
New Year
Parades is attended with excitement by people of all age groups.
These parades are preceded by the football game which is the main
attraction of the festival. Last but not the least, New Year traditions
also include the bursting of crackers and other fireworks to scare off
the evil spirits and bring in good fortune.
Christian New Year Celebrations
New Year ushers in the festive spirit. People splurge in the New Year
activities with fun and excitement. New Year brings in happiness and so
people make it a grand affair to welcome the coming year. New Year
celebrations begin with the New Year Eve. Christians attend balls, theme
and private parties to celebrate the New Year. Party halls are booked in
advance and there is rarely any place which is not hit by the partiers.
Festive music and songs rock the New Year parties. People dress up in
their best clothes to celebrate the New Year. At the stroke of 12 at
midnight, people make a lot of noise, hug, kiss and wish each other “Happy
New Year”.
New dawn is welcomed with open arms by the Christians. Even after
partying all night, Christians don't delay to visit the church on the
New Year's Day. They spend the day with family and friends, go to
picnics, watch movies and have favorite meals.
