Fun Facts
What date marks New Year's Day in most of the world?
January 1st
When is New Year’s Eve celebrated?
December 31.
What is the most-watched New Year celebration in the world?
The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration.
Does Chinese New Year fall on the same date every year?
No, it changes each year based on the lunar calendar.
What do people in Spain traditionally eat at midnight on New Year’s Eve?
12 grapes, one for each month of the year.
Which ancient civilization is credited with the first New Year celebrations?
The Babylonians, around 4,000 years ago!
Which country is usually the first to ring in the New Year?
Kiribati (specifically Kiritimati Island).
What major parade happens in the U.S. on New Year’s Day?
The Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
When does Chinese New Year usually occur?
Between January 21 and February 20.
What unusual tradition takes place in Denmark on New Year’s Eve?
People throw plates at friends’ doors for good luck.
Why do people make New Year's resolutions?
To symbolically start fresh and improve their lives in the coming year.
Which country is often the last to celebrate the New Year?
The United States (American Samoa and Baker Island).
What famous concert is traditionally held on January 1 in Austria?
The Vienna New Year’s Concert.
What animal represents each Chinese New Year?
One of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. This year it is the horse!!
How do people in Japan welcome the New Year?
By visiting temples and listening to 108 bell rings to cleanse sins.
What popular New Year tradition involves a ball dropping?
The Times Square Ball Drop in New York City.
What calendar is January 1 based on?
The Gregorian calendar.
What major sporting events often take place on New Year’s Day in the U.S.?
College football bowl games.
What color is most associated with Chinese New Year and why?
Red, because it symbolizes luck, happiness, and protection.
What do people in Brazil often wear on New Year’s Eve?
White clothing, to symbolize peace and purity.
Why was January chosen as the first month of the year in the Roman calendar?
It was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, and transitions.
Why don’t all cultures celebrate New Year on January 1?
Different cultures use lunar, solar, or lunisolar calendars.
Why do fireworks play such a big role in New Year celebrations?
They symbolize driving away evil spirits and welcoming good luck. THAT'S WHY WE'RE SETTING SOME OFF!!!!
What is the significance of the Lantern Festival at the end of Chinese New Year?
It marks the end of the celebrations and represents reunion and hope.
Why do some cultures clean their homes before the New Year?
To remove bad luck and make space for good fortune in the coming year.