Who Celebrates New Year Last?
The New Year is a time of celebration and renewal, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another. While most countries around the world celebrate the New Year on January 1st, there are a few unique cultures and regions that choose to mark the occasion at a later date. This article explores the fascinating customs and reasons behind who celebrates New Year last, shedding light on the diverse ways in which different societies honor this significant event.
The first country to celebrate New Year last is Japan. In Japan, the New Year is celebrated on January 1st, but the festivities officially begin on December 31st with a traditional event called “Omisoka.” This day is filled with various rituals and customs, including the “Osechi-ryori,” a special multi-layered box of traditional Japanese New Year dishes. The main New Year’s Day celebrations, however, take place on January 1st, with families gathering to enjoy a feast and visit shrines and temples.
Another country that celebrates New Year last is Thailand. In Thailand, the New Year is known as “Songkran,” which falls on April 13th or 14th each year. This festival is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors. It is characterized by water fights, as water is believed to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune. Additionally, people visit temples to make merit and offer gifts to the monks. While the main celebrations occur on April 13th or 14th, the festivities often begin a few days before and continue for several days afterward.
One of the most intriguing New Year celebrations takes place in the Andean region of South America. The indigenous people of this area, including the Quechua and Aymara cultures, celebrate the New Year on June 24th, which is known as “Inti Raymi” or the “Festival of the Sun.” This event is dedicated to the Sun God and marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle. The celebration involves parades, music, and traditional dances, as well as the offering of sacrifices to the gods. While the main festivities occur on June 24th, the entire month of June is filled with various New Year-related activities.
In some parts of Africa, the New Year is also celebrated at a later date. In Ethiopia, for example, the New Year, known as “Enkutatash,” falls on September 11th. This celebration is marked by a 13-day festival that includes religious ceremonies, traditional dances, and the crowning of a new queen. The festivities are a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors, as well as to express gratitude for the past year and look forward to the new one.
In conclusion, while most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1st, there are several unique cultures and regions that choose to mark the occasion at a later date. From Japan’s Omisoka to Ethiopia’s Enkutatash, these diverse celebrations highlight the rich tapestry of human traditions and the importance of New Year celebrations across the globe. Whether you’re ringing in the New Year on January 1st or waiting for the festivities to begin a few months later, the spirit of renewal and hope remains the same.
