The Romans dedicated New year Day or 1st January to Janus, the god of doors, gates, and beginnings.The January month was named after Janus. The God has two faces, one looking forward and other looking back backward. It shows that the New Year celebrations are based on pagan traditions. Some suggested this occurred in 153 BC, when it was stipulated that the two annual consuls (after years whose names have been identified) came into the office that day, but n 'there is no consensus on the issue.
Among the nations of the 7th century Flanders and the Netherlands, it was customary to exchange gifts at New Year. It was a pagan custom followed by Saint Eligius , who warned the Flemings and the Dutch, "Do not make vetula, little figures of the Old, deer or whatever iotticos or tables set ,at night or exchanges New Year gift or supply superfluous drinks . "The quotation is taken from the vita of Eligius written by his companion Ouen.
Many countries in Western Europe start using January 1 as New Year's Day before the adoption of Gregorian calendar. In England, March 25 was the feast of the Annunciation , the first day of new year before they start using the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
Among the nations of the 7th century Flanders and the Netherlands, it was customary to exchange gifts at New Year. It was a pagan custom followed by Saint Eligius , who warned the Flemings and the Dutch, "Do not make vetula, little figures of the Old, deer or whatever iotticos or tables set ,at night or exchanges New Year gift or supply superfluous drinks . "The quotation is taken from the vita of Eligius written by his companion Ouen.
Many countries in Western Europe start using January 1 as New Year's Day before the adoption of Gregorian calendar. In England, March 25 was the feast of the Annunciation , the first day of new year before they start using the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
