What is a New Year festival?

A New Year festival, in Britannica's wording, is any of the social, cultural, and religious observances worldwide that celebrate the beginning of the new year. Britannica Such festivals are among the oldest and the most universally observed. Britannica

The earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia. Britannica In Babylonia the new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the vernal equinox. Britannica In Assyria it began with the new moon nearest the autumnal equinox (mid-September). Britannica

For the Egyptians and Phoenicians the year began with the autumnal equinox (September 21). Britannica For the ancient Persians it began on the vernal equinox (March 21). Britannica For the early Greeks it began with the winter solstice (December 21). Britannica

The baby as a symbol of the new year dates to the ancient Greeks, with an old man representing the year that has passed. Britannica

The practice of making resolutions to rid oneself of bad habits and to adopt better ones also dates to ancient times. Britannica Some believe the Babylonians began the custom more than 4,000 years ago. Britannica These early resolutions were likely made in an attempt to curry favor with the gods. Britannica

That Babylonian story is how Britannica puts it: "some believe," not a settled date. We keep the hedge.

Many Europeans, for example, eat cabbage or other greens to ensure prosperity in the coming year. Britannica People in the American South favor black-eyed peas for good luck. Britannica

The first guest to cross the threshold, or "first foot," is significant and may bring good luck if the person is of the right physical type, which varies with location. Britannica First foot traditions are observed, for example, in Scotland, the Isle of Man, and parts of northern England. Britannica

The New Year's Eve celebrations at London's Trafalgar Square and Sydney's Port Jackson draw large crowds. Britannica The first Rose Bowl Game was played in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 1902. Britannica

First-footing has its own page, including the Isle of Man's Qualtagh. Other new-year dates, from Rosh Hashana to Songkran, are gathered under New years around the world.