The beginning of the new year has been welcomed on different dates throughout history. Our calendar, The Gregorian calendar, has January 1st as New Year's Day. 

Ways of celebrating is different around the world and in different religions :

- People in Moslem societies, for example, celebrate the new year by wearing new clothes. 
- Southeast Asians release birds and turtles to assure themselves good luck in the twelve months ahead. 
- Jewish people consider the day holy, and hold a religious ceremony at a meal with special foods. 
- Hindus of India leave shrines next to their beds, so they can see beautiful objects at the start of the new year. 
- Japanese prepare rice cakes at a social event the week before the new year.

Whatever the custom, most of people feel the same sentiment. With a new year, we can expect a new life. We wish each other good luck and promise ourselves to do better in the following year.