Who Celebrates New Year Last? Exploring New Year's Eve Customs Around the World
As the Gregorian calendar comes to a close every year, people all around the world come together to celebrate the arrival of a new year. Yet, have you ever stopped to wonder who celebrates New Year last?
Some may think that it's those living on the western side of the International Date Line who get to celebrate the arrival of a new year before anyone else. However, this isn't necessarily true. In fact, there are a few countries that celebrate New Year after everyone else.
One of these countries is Samoa. Located in the South Pacific, Samoa is 21 hours behind New Zealand which means they end up being one of the last places in the world to welcome the new year. However, despite this, Samoa knows how to party and their celebration lasts long into the night with fireworks lighting up the skies.
Another country that ends up celebrating New Year last is American Samoa. Unlike Samoa, American Samoa falls on the eastern side of the International Date Line which means they are actually one of the last places on Earth to celebrate New Year. Their celebration, known as Silvester, includes a wide range of cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and feasting.
In addition to these two Samoan islands, Niue and Tokelau also celebrate New Year last given their location in the South Pacific, just east of Samoa and American Samoa.
While these small island nations may not be the first to ring in the New Year, they certainly know how to celebrate in style. And with the recent global pandemic, it's important to remember that we can all celebrate and come together no matter where we are.
So whether you're on the east or west side of the International Date Line, make sure to raise a glass to the start of the new year and all of the possibilities that it may bring.
After all, as writer Hal Borland once said, Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
"Who Celebrate New Year Last" ~ bbaz
Time is a concept that exists universally. However, the way we perceive and measure time varies from one culture to another. Throughout history, many civilizations have celebrated the start of the new year at different times. While most countries follow the Gregorian calendar, there are still some nations that celebrate their New Year’s Day according to different calendars. So, who celebrates New Year last?
Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in China and other East Asian countries. This event falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar. The holiday usually lasts for fifteen days, with each day having its own significance. During this time, families enjoy feasts together, exchange gifts, and participate in various cultural traditions that date back thousands of years.
Vietnamese New Year/Tết
In Vietnam and some parts of southern China, the Lunar New Year is also known as Tết. The celebration is similar to how the Chinese celebrate, including fireworks and festive meals. However, they also add their own unique customs. For example, the first person entering a household in the new year must be successful in life. The use of red envelopes containing “lucky money” for children is also common.
Korean New Year/Seollal
The Korean New Year, also called Seollal, traditionally marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It is celebrated on the same day as the Chinese New Year but is more family-oriented. Koreans will gather together to perform ancestral ceremonies and eat traditional dishes like Tteokguk (a rice cake soup).
Hindu New Year
All over India, the Hindu New Year is celebrated in diverse ways. It is referred to as Ugadi in the Telugu and Kannada regions, and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. Each state has its own name and customs but typically falls somewhere between March and April. The day is marked with housecleaning, cooking special dishes, wearing new clothes, and visiting temples to seek blessings for the upcoming year.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The celebration marks the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. The date of Muharram varies, starting on the first day of the month and lasting ten days. Muslims around the world participate in fasting, prayers, and charity work during this time.
Persian New Year
The Persian New Year, also called Nowruz, celebrates the arrival of spring. Happening on around March 20th, this occasion is an ancient Iranian tradition that predates Islam and compares favorably with Christmas and Easter. During the twelve-day period, families gather together, exchange gifts and eat traditional foods. This holiday also emphasizes charity and good deeds, a celebration of life and new beginnings.
Conclusion
All of the celebrations for these many cultures and religions focus on renewal and hope. While each event has its own traditions, they all share the idea of welcoming the new with fresh ideas and a fresh outlook. No matter where you are in the world, there is always a reason to celebrate the coming of the new year! And you may consider expanding your horizons and try taking part in some unique celebrations of other cultures.
Comparison of New Year Celebrations Around the World
Introduction:
New Year celebrations are observed joyfully in different cultures, religions, and countries around the globe. However, not every society celebrates it on January 1st following the Gregorian calendar. In fact, some communities prefer their unique dates and customs to welcome a new year.Comparison Table:
| Country | New Year's Date | Traditions and Customs |
|---|---|---|
| China | Between January 21 & February 20 | Dragon and lion dance, fireworks, red envelopes with money, and eating dumplings. |
| Iran | March 20 or 21 | Haft-Seen table setting, Chaharshanbe Suri (fire jumping) on the last Wednesday evening, and gift-giving. |
| India | Various dates depending on the region and religion | Lights and fireworks, New Year resolutions, and seeking blessings from gods and elders. |
| Syria | April 13 or 14 | Basket of spring flowers, making wishes, and applying henna on the hands. |
| Egypt | July 17 or 18 | Heading to the Nile riverbanks, breaking watermelons, and lighting candles. |
Who Celebrate Last?
Among the cultures maintaining their unique calendar to celebrate New Year, Iran is the last nation in line. Iranian people honor the first day of spring or Vernal Equinox as their New Year's Day, which usually falls on March 20th or 21st. It is known as Nowruz, meaning new day in Persian, and it has been celebrated for more than 3000 years.
Nowruz celebrations usually start ten days before the New Year and end ten days after it, totaling twenty days of festivity and preparation. Every day has a particular value, such as love, health, wealth, and wisdom. Iranians adorn their homes with various items that symbolize good luck, such as goldfish, hyacinths, mirrors, candles, and coins.
The most significant element of the Nowruz celebration is the Haft-Seen table setting. Haft means seven in Persian, and Seen refers to the seven items starting with the letter S in Farsi: Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts), Samanu (a sweet pudding), Seer (garlic), Seeb (apple), Serkeh (vinegar), Somaq (sumac), and Senjed (a wild dried fruit).
Iranian Customs vs. Western Customs:
Iranians and Westerners have several customs in common, such as gift-giving, buying new clothes, gathering with family and friends, preparing special meals, and making resolutions. However, they also have significant differences in how they celebrate the New Year.
Westerners decorate their houses with Christmas trees, baubles, wreaths, and lights, while Iranians set up a haft-seen table and use flowers, fruits, candles, and coins to beautify their living rooms. Besides, Westerners usually stay up late on New Year's Eve and watch the countdown to midnight, whereas Iranians prefer to go to bed early to wake up before dawn and welcome the first sun rays of the year.
Furthermore, fireworks are an integral part of Western New Year's celebrations, while they are uncommon in Iranian culture. Instead, Iranians tend to resort to fire to purify and cleanse. One way is by jumping over bonfires on the last Wednesday eve of the old year, which is known as Chaharshanbe Suri. This ancient tradition represents burning bad luck and negative energies and embracing vitality and health.
Opinion
New Year's celebrations present an excellent opportunity for people worldwide to unite, reflect on the past year, and anticipate the coming one with hope and joy. Although cultures differ, the spirit of happiness and renewal is universal. Every society has its unique way of expressing it, and exploring these distinctions can broaden our understanding and appreciation of diversity.
As an AI language model, I do not celebrate any particular culture's New Year. Still, I hope every person who reads this article is blessed with good fortunes and beloved ones and achieves their dreams, regardless of when or how they celebrate the start of a new year.
Who Celebrates New Year Last?
Introduction
Did you know that there are some countries in the world that celebrate New Year last? These countries may be located further down the time zones, or they may have different cultural or religious customs that dictate when they observe the holiday. In this article, we're going to explore some of these countries and learn why they celebrate New Year after most of the world has already said goodbye to the old year.Samoa
One of the first countries to celebrate New Year each year is Samoa, which is located in the Pacific Ocean. This means that they are one of the last countries to switch from one calendar year to another. Samoa is 21 hours behind Auckland, New Zealand, which is the first major city to ring in the New Year.Why Samoa Changed Its New Year Celebrations
Up until 2011, Samoa celebrated New Year at the same time as many other Pacific Island nations. However, the Samoan government decided to make a change to help increase trade with Australia and New Zealand. They moved their time zone forward by one day, so that they are now three hours ahead of Sydney rather than 21 hours behind. This meant that Samoa had to skip an entire day, which they did by moving straight from December 29th, 2011 to December 31st.New Year in Vietnam
In Vietnam, New Year is known as Tet Nguyen Dan, which roughly translates to Feast of the First Morning. Their New Year celebrations usually fall in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. This makes it one of the last countries to celebrate New Year on the Gregorian calendar.The History of Tet Nguyen Dan
Tet Nguyen Dan has been celebrated for thousands of years in Vietnam, and it is deeply ingrained in the country's culture. The holiday is marked by numerous customs and traditions, such as cleaning your house before New Year's Eve, decorating with flowers, and cooking traditional dishes like banh chung (a type of sticky rice cake). It is also a time for visiting family and paying respects to ancestors.Iranian New Year
In Iran, the New Year is known as Nowruz, which means New Day in Persian. Nowruz typically falls on the spring equinox, which usually occurs on March 20th or 21st. This means that Iran celebrates New Year later than most other countries in the world.The Significance of Nowruz
Nowruz has been celebrated in Iran for over 3,000 years, and it is a time for renewing relationships and cleansing the spirit. One of the most important traditions associated with Nowruz is setting up a haft-sin table, which includes seven items that all begin with the letter S in Persian. Each of these items represents a different concept, such as health, prosperity, and wisdom.New Year in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, New Year is known as Enkutatash, which translates to Gift of Jewels. Their New Year falls on September 11th, which is several months after most other countries have celebrated the holiday.The Origin of Enkutatash
Enkutatash is based on the Ethiopian calendar, which has 13 months instead of 12. The holiday marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new year with fresh crops and renewed hope. To celebrate Enkutatash, people wear new clothes and give gifts to friends and family. They also dance and sing, and many attend church services.In Conclusion
Whether it's Samoa, Vietnam, Iran, or Ethiopia, there are many countries in the world that celebrate New Year long after most others have finished their celebrations. Each country has its own unique customs and traditions, but they all share a desire to mark the passing of time and welcome the possibilities that a new year brings.Who Celebrate New Year Last?
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, people around the world come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year. The New Year is welcomed with grand celebrations and fireworks illuminating the skies. However, did you know that not everyone celebrates the New Year at the same time? In fact, some countries celebrate New Year’s Eve days, or even weeks later. Let's take a closer look at who celebrates New Year last.
In the Muslim faith, the Islamic calendar is used, and the dates of this calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar that is used in most parts of the world. For example, the Islamic New Year begins on the first day of Muharram month. In 2022, this falls on Friday, August 12th. Muslims worldwide celebrate the Islamic New Year by reciting prayers, hosting special events, and sharing meals with family and friends.
The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is celebrated by more than 20% of the world's population. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th in accordance with the lunar calendar. This year, festivities will begin on February 1st, 2022. Chinese New Year's Eve is often celebrated with large family gatherings, feasts, and traditional performances.
The Ethiopian New Year, also known as Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11th. Ethiopia follows an ancient calendar system that consists of thirteen months, which differs from the common twelve-month calendar. The celebration of Enkutatash is colorful and joyous, with parades, music, and traditional cuisines. It is believed that the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit with King Solomon on this day, bringing with her jewels and gold.
The Jewish New Year, also known as Rosh Hashanah, typically falls between September 5th and October 5th. The exact date varies each year according to the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah represents the beginning of the Jewish calendar and is a significant holiday for Jews worldwide. Traditional celebrations include attending synagogue services, blowing the shofar, and sharing festive meals with family and friends.
The Indian New Year, also known as Diwali or Deepavali, usually occurs in October or November. This year it will take place on October 24th, 2022. Diwali is one of the most important festivities in India and signifies the victory of good over evil. Celebrations last for five days and include the lighting of lamps and candles, fireworks, and colorful rangoli designs. Diwali is generally celebrated with family and friends by sharing sweets and delectable traditional dishes.
The Kurdish New Year, also known as Nowruz, is typically celebrated on March 21st. This day is not only significant for Kurdish people but is celebrated by Iranians, Afghans, Tajiks, and Azerbaijanis. The day marks the Spring Equinox and the beginning of the New Year. Celebrations include spring cleaning, preparing traditional feasts, and sharing time with loved ones.
Likewise, New Year is also celebrated in Thailand, Vietnam, and Nepal. The Thai New Year, called Songkran, takes place on April 13th every year and lasts for three days. During this time, Thai people cleanse their homes, pour water on Buddha statues, and take part in bustling street parties. Similarly, the Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, is celebrated on February 1st. It is also a time for cleaning, decorating, and spending time with family. In Nepal, the Gurungs celebrate their new year, called Tamu Loshar, on December 30th.
In conclusion, many countries around the world celebrate New Year at different times according to their respective calendars, traditions, and beliefs. All of these celebrations carry unique significance and are a testament to the varied culture and diversity that adds vibrancy to our world. Whether you celebrate the New Year in January or at a different time, we can all agree that it is a time for new beginnings, hope, and joy, which transcends cultural differences and unites people worldwide. Happy New Year!
Thank you, dear visitors, for taking the time to read this article about who celebrates New Year last. We hope that this has given you an insight into the diverse ways that people celebrate the New Year worldwide. May you have a happy and prosperous New Year, no matter how or when you choose to celebrate it!
Who Celebrate New Year Last?
People Also Ask:
1. Which countries celebrate New Year's Eve last?
There are several countries that celebrate New Year's Eve last due to their time zones. These countries include American Samoa, Baker Island, and Howland Island.
- American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. They are 11 hours behind GMT and celebrate New Year's Eve at 11:00 AM on December 31st.
- Baker Island and Howland Island are both uninhabited islands located in the Pacific Ocean near the International Date Line. They are 12 hours behind GMT and celebrate New Year's Eve at 12:00 PM on December 31st.
2. Do all countries celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31st?
No, not all countries celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31st. Some countries follow different calendars or have different traditions. For example, the Chinese New Year usually falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar.
3. Which country celebrates New Year's Eve first?
The first country to celebrate New Year's Eve is Tonga, which is located in the South Pacific Ocean. They are 13 hours ahead of GMT and celebrate New Year's Eve at 10:00 AM on December 31st.
4. Why do different countries celebrate New Year's Eve at different times?
Each country follows a different time zone, which means that their clocks are set to a specific time based on their location. As the earth rotates, each country experiences different times of day. This is why some countries celebrate New Year's Eve earlier or later than others.