For the Chinese, the year begins in the first month of the lunar calendar, between our January 21 and February 21.
Also known as Rosh Hashanah, or ‘head of the year’ in Hebrew, the Jewish New Year celebrates the beginnings of the Universe’s creation by God and man’s appearance.
In Vietnam, the arrival of the new year is marked by the beginning of spring in the lunar calendar, similar to the Chinese New Year.
The Indian Festival of Lights marks the beginning of the Hindu year. It is celebrated for five days and usually falls between October and early November in our calendar.
The Islamic New Year commemorates the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, which led to the establishment of the first Muslim community based on Islamic teachings and the institution of the first Islamic state after enduring 13 years of religious persecution in Mecca.
Also celebrated according to the lunar calendar, the South Korean New Year is a family festival on the same date as the Chinese and Vietnamese. It’s common to offer food and drink to the family’s ancestors.
Songkran, the Water Festival in Thailand, symbolizes purification and the washing away of last year’s woes and misfortunes. The central element, water, represents cleansing, renewal, and hope.
Nowruz, meaning “new day,” is an enchanting and deeply meaningful celebration, especially in Iran and other countries with Persian heritage.
Hogmanay in Scotland is a truly magical and unique New Year’s experience, filled with ancient traditions and festivities that light up the long Scottish winters.
Diwali in Fiji presents a unique and vibrant cultural celebration. While primarily a Hindu festival, Diwali in Fiji, with its significant Indo-Fijian population, takes on a special significance as it also marks the beginning of a new year.