Do you really know? Why does the year begin on January 1st?
Jan 1, 2025
Discover why January 1st became the official start of the New Year, tracing back to the Romans and their 355-day lunar calendar. Learn about Numa Pompilius and the fascinating shift from a March celebration linked to the god Mars. Dive into global New Year traditions, highlighting how different cultures mark this special occasion. It's a whirlwind tour through history and customs in under three minutes!
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New Year's Origins
- January 1st wasn't always the start of the new year.
- The Romans originally used a 355-day lunar calendar, starting in March.
Roman Lunar Calendar
- The Roman's lunar calendar was attributed to Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome.
- This calendar began in March, honoring Mars, the god of war.
Month Names
- September through December retain their numerical names from the Roman calendar.
- However, their positions in the year no longer align with their original meanings.