How do you celebrate the new year? Many celebrate the New Year on January 1. Some celebrate according to lunar, solar, or religious calendars. The New Year is celebrated differently based on a person’s, culture, nationality, and religion.
In Chinese culture, the holiday falls about two months after December 21, the winter solstice, when the second new moon rises. In China, this is known as Chun Yun (春运 Moving in the Spring). This tradition celebrates the coming of spring and leads into the Chinese New Year.
“The Chinese New Year is popularly known as the Spring Festival in China because it starts from the beginning of spring,” states Wake Forest University.
One Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the resident of any lingering bad luck.
Jia Fang, 12, says, “The first day, you don’t clean the house at all, letting good luck into your house. Then the next day you clean the house to let all the bad luck out.”
My Jewish Learning website states that the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashanah, is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically falls in early to mid-September. It is said to be a time of inner renewal and divine atonement.
Jewish tradition celebrates with feasts on both nights of Rosh Hashanah with customary dishes including honey cake, brisket, and tzimmes.
The Times of India writes that Puthandu is a prominent festival, which is celebrated in the city Tamil Nadu. This day is celebrated on the first day of Tamil month, Chitterai as Tamil New Year. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Indra came to the earth to ensure peace and serenity.
Wearing traditional clothing and greeting family is common on Puthandu, along with bringing fruits, sweets, flowers, and other items at home that promise future success.
I didn’t know how many diverse new year’s traditions there were.” — Omar Abuhadba, 10
There are many ways to celebrate the new year from cleaning your house, handing out gifts, or drinking champagne at midnight. Regardless of your religion and nationality, the new year is a celebration of a fresh start. Remember that no matter when you celebrate New Year’s Day, it’s never a bad time to have a fresh start.
