New Year’s Day

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Roman emperor Julius Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honor the month's namesake: Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future.

As many countries follow this calendar, many cultures observe the arrival of the New Year with celebrations. Common activities include fancy dress parties, fireworks, champagne, gathering at midnight to countdown, and singing Auld Lang Syne!

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Date: January 1st

Gantan-Sai New Year

Gantan-Sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion every January 1st. Observers pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health,

and visit shrines and visiting friends and family.

January 1 - Shinto Religion

Date: January 1st