Emmanuel Ochayi
While January 1 is widely recognised as the start of the New Year under the Gregorian calendar, not all countries follow this system. Many nations have distinct cultural or religious calendars that determine their New Year Day.
These differences are rooted in ancient traditions, astrological calculations, or lunar cycles, making January 1 just another day for some.
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Afghanistan follows the Islamic calendar, which emphasises Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Celebrated on March 21, Nowruz coincides with the vernal equinox. For Afghans, this day is more significant than January 1, marking renewal and the arrival of spring.
North Korea
In North Korea, the Gregorian New Year is overshadowed by traditional and state-centric holidays. The Korean New Year, based on the lunar calendar, and the Day of the Sun, celebrating the birth of Kim Il-sung, hold far greater importance.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia uses its own calendar, known as the Ge’ez calendar, which is roughly seven to eight years behind the Gregorian system. Ethiopians celebrate “Enkutatash,” their own, in September. This calendar reflects Ethiopia’s historical and religious heritage, distinct from January 1.
Iran
Like Afghanistan, Iran celebrates Nowruz on March 21. This day marks the beginning of the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar and is steeped in Persian cultural traditions. For Iranians, January 1 lacks cultural resonance, making Nowruz their true day of celebration.
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China
China celebrates its New Year based on the lunisolar calendar. The date varies annually but typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The festivities last for 15 days, making it a prominent cultural event compared to January 1.
India
India’s diversity means multiple New Year Days across its regions. States like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and West Bengal observe their own New Year festivals, such as Pongal, Baisakhi, and Pohela Boishakh. Although January 1 is recognised for administrative purposes, local traditions remain significant.
Vietnam
Vietnam celebrates its own, Tet, according to the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar. In 2024, Tet will fall on February 10. This celebration is similar to China’s Lunar New Year, emphasising family gatherings and cultural rituals.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the festival, Pohela Boishakh, is observed on April 14. Rooted in Bengali culture, this day holds significance for both Bangladeshis and Bengalis in neighbouring India.
South and North Korean
In both South and North Korea, the Korean’s own, called Seollal, is celebrated using the lunisolar calendar. Typically occurring in late January or early February, Seollal is a three-day family-oriented celebration, contrasting sharply with January 1.
Why These Variations Matter
The global variety in New Year Day celebrations highlights the cultural richness and diversity across the world. For many nations, the date of New Year Day reflects their historical, religious, and astronomical influences.
While January 1 may be a global norm, these traditions remind us that time is celebrated differently across cultures.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
