Who Celebrates the New Year Last?
The beginning of a new year is a time of celebration and renewal across the globe. While most countries and cultures mark the start of the year on January 1st, there are some unique exceptions where the festivities are delayed. This article explores the fascinating customs of countries that celebrate the New Year last, shedding light on their rich traditions and historical reasons behind this unusual practice.
Japan: The Lasting Impression of Shogunates
Japan is one of the few countries that celebrates the New Year last, on January 1st. This tradition dates back to the Edo period, when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun, established the new year as the start of the Japanese calendar. However, the celebration was not widespread until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar. Despite this, the New Year celebrations in Japan are still observed on January 1st, making it the last country to celebrate the New Year in the Gregorian calendar.
China: The Lunar New Year
In China, the New Year is known as the Spring Festival, and it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. This means that the date of the New Year changes each year, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th. The Spring Festival is the most important and longest holiday in China, lasting for 15 days. The celebration is marked by various customs, including family reunions, feasts, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money. While the Spring Festival is not celebrated on January 1st, it is still the last major New Year celebration in the lunar calendar.
Other Countries with Late New Year Celebrations
Other countries that celebrate the New Year later include Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines. In Vietnam, the New Year, known as Tết, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and typically falls in late January or early February. South Korea also follows the lunar calendar for their New Year celebrations, known as Seollal, which usually takes place in late January or early February. The Philippines, on the other hand, celebrates the New Year on January 1st but observes the traditional Chinese New Year, known as the Filipino New Year, on the first day of the lunar new year.
Conclusion
The New Year is a time of joy and reflection for people all over the world. While most countries mark the start of the year on January 1st, there are fascinating exceptions where the festivities are delayed. From Japan’s enduring legacy of the Shogunates to the vibrant customs of the Spring Festival in China, these late New Year celebrations offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and historical roots of these nations. As the world continues to embrace globalization, these unique traditions remind us of the diverse ways in which people around the globe celebrate the beginning of a new year.
