Not all cultures ring in the New Year on January 1

While most of the world celebrates New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, there are many cultures that recognize the start of a new year on different dates.

Below are some New Year’s cultural celebrations that occur throughout the year.

1) Lunar New Year – China

For 15 days, billions of people in China, as well as those from Asian countries including Indonesia and Vietnam, celebrate the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. It gets the name ‘Spring Festival’ because the new year’s first day marks the end of the most frigid part of winter, which means people can anticipate the start of the spring months. It’s celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, which indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year.

2) Rosh Hashanah - Israel

Jewish people around the world celebrate the new year in September or October during Rosh Hashanah, which means “Head of the Year.” Rosh Hashanah is considered a time of rejoicing, introspection and celebrating the completion of another year. It’s welcomed on the first two days of Tishrei, which is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar.

3) Nowruz –Azerbaijan, Iran

For 13 days, Iran, Azerbaijan Afghanistan, and some people celebrate the rebirth of nature for Nowruz, which means “new day,” at the start of spring. Also known as the Persian New Year, it’s one of history’s most ancient celebrations, having been celebrated for about 4,000 years. “It is celebrated just like Christmas in Germany,” said Clemens Sehi, travel writer and creative director of travel magazine Travellers Archive. A major part of the holiday is a deep cleaning about three weeks before the vernal equinox, during which homes are tidied and cleared of clutter to make way for a fresh start.

In Afghanistan, the festival lasts three days and is celebrated with dance, music and kite flying, he said.

4) Pahela Baishakh – India

Bengali people celebrate Pahela Baishakh in April, and celebrations are held on the first day of Baishakh, which is the first month of the Bengali calendar. “Shubho Noboborsho,” which translates to “Happy New Year,” is the traditional greeting for the Bengali New Year.

5) Diwali – India

This festival of lights is enjoyed by millions of Sikhs, Hindus and Jains all over the world. Diwali celebrations coincide with the Hindu New Year, last for five days and are usually held between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Festive fireworks mark the occasion, and families share sweets and gifts and give to those in need.

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