NEW YEARS Celebration of each new year is probably one of the oldest holidays known to man. New Year wasn't always celebrated on the first of January. That's a relatively new trend, and even today is only true for some religions and cultures.  Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different date each year.  Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish new year, is celebrated in September.  India's New Year, Diwali, is celebrated in October.  Over 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year in March, with feasting and parties outdoors. Today, in Persia, people might still go on a picnic, because in Iran (also called Persia), the New Year (called Nowruz) is celebrated on the first day of spring, and is a great deal of fun. Haji Firuz, in a red hat and coat, plays his little drum and sings songs. The food is terrific. The mood wonderful - Persian New Year is a 13 day good time, with a great deal of history and charm! The Japanese celebrate New Year's on January 1st. They also celebrate it on January 2nd and January 3rd. In Japan, this holiday is known as Shougastu (New Year's Days). It is a three day celebration, and one of the most important celebrations of the year. One of their traditions is to send friends and neighbors special new year's cards. These beautiful cards are mailed before the new year, but they are not delivered by the post office right away. The post office holds all new year's cards. On January 1st, the post office delivers all of these cards, all over Japan, all on the same day. Some of the New Year's traditions we enjoy today have been around for quite a while. It was the ancient Greeks, over 2,000 years ago, who started the tradition of honoring the first baby born in each new year! The New Year, whenever it occurs, is celebrated as a time of rebirth, a chance to sweep out the old and to start anew. The New Year is a great time to learn about calendars, clocks, and New Year's traditions around the world. Lesson Plans & Activities Ring in the New Year (lessons) Year End Holidays Celebration of New Year in many religions and cultures Cambodian New Year (celebrated in April) mini-unit Chinese New Year New Year Scavenger Hunt (with questions & links) HUGE SITE - Each calendar date has lessons, free ecards Java Fireworks Free New Years clip art More Free Clip Art Our Holiday Gift to You! Have a great year!  All Rights Reserved Counter start date January 2006     Clip Art Credit:  Phillip Martin Have a great year!