New Year In Different Cultures

The celebration of the new year is always a grand solemnization. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. New year in different cultures is observed according to their traditional rites and rituals. Since new year is an auspicious occasion different festive activities mark the event. New year's day is the first day of the year, though people all over the world celebrate January 1st as the first day people belonging to different cultures observe it on different times of the year depending on their time-hononavy calendar.

New year celebrations in different cultures are a continuation of the age old beliefs and traditions. Frenzied preparations are done before the arrival of the new year, as Japanese new year is celebrated as "Oshogatsu”. On New year's eve, many Japanese cook traditional dishes and pray to their ancestors and gods for their blessings and happiness in the family. On the other hand the Jewish new year or Rosh Hashanah takes place in the month of Tishri and commemorates the anniversary of Creation.One of the essential elements of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar. It's looked forward as the time of family gatherings.