Old New Year’s Day

Old New Year’s Day sparks excitement with its unique blend of tradition and nostalgia. Celebrated on January 14 by countries still using the Julian calendar, like Serbia and Russia, it echoes the charm of historical customs.

Despite following the Gregorian calendar now, these nations honor their roots by keeping the Julian New Year alive.

The reasons for celebrating Old New Year’s Day are deeply rooted in history and culture. Initially, the day marked the start of the year in ancient calendars, which was later shifted to January 1 under the Julian system by Julius Caesar.

When the Gregorian calendar was adopted by much of the world, adjusting the date to January 1, some regions chose to retain their traditional date, creating the Old New Year celebration. This allows for cultural preservation and a continuation of festivities beyond the official New Year’s Eve.

Despite not being officially recognized as a national holiday, Old New Year’s Day holds significant cultural importance.

It’s a day filled with joy, where families gather, feasts are shared, and traditions like concerts and local customs add to the festive spirit. In this way, the Old New Year serves as a bridge, connecting the past with the present.

History of Old New Year’s Day

Old New Year’s Day has a rich history intertwined with changes in calendars and regional traditions. Originally, New Year’s Day was not fixed to January 1.

The early Roman calendar, crafted by Romulus, began the year in March. It later evolved with Numa Pompilius adding January and February to the calendar. By Julius Caesar’s time, the Roman calendar had drifted significantly from the solar year.

To address this, Caesar, consulting with astronomers, introduced the Julian calendar in 46 B.C., setting January 1 as New Year’s Day, honoring Janus, the god of beginnings​​.

However, various regions, including parts of Europe, continued to recognize March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year until well into the medieval period.

This practice persisted until Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582, standardizing January 1 as New Year’s Day globally. Yet, this change was gradually accepted over centuries, with some areas maintaining old traditions​​.

Countries that continued to celebrate the Old New Year did so due to their adherence to the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy leads to the Old New Year being celebrated on January 14 in the Gregorian calendar.

Primarily observed in regions with significant Orthodox Christian populations, like Russia and Serbia, this day retains cultural importance.

How to Celebrate Old New Year’s Day

If you’re keen to celebrate Old New Year’s Day, here are some ideas that will make the day memorable:

Sparkler Showdown

Who says sparklers are just for the Fourth of July? Grab a bunch of sparklers and light up the night! It’s a sparkling way to add some shine to Old New Year’s Eve, perfect for all ages to enjoy together.

It’s like giving the old year a bright farewell and welcoming the new with a glimmer of hope and joy.

Feast of Fortunes

Dive into a feast that promises prosperity! Incorporating foods like black-eyed peas or pork could add a tasty twist to your celebration.

These foods are thought to foretell good fortune, so why not set your year up for success from the first bite?

Countdown Reboot

Who needs midnight? If staying up late isn’t your thing, countdown to Old New Year at a more convenient time.

You can choose a city celebrating New Year’s at an earlier hour and join in their countdown via a live stream. Celebrate on your own schedule—because any time is a good time for a fresh start!

The Great Noisemaker Bash

Time to make some noise and start a new neighborhood tradition! As the Old New Year rings in, grab some pots, pans, or any fun noisemakers and step outside.

Whether you clank, bang, or toot, it’s all in good fun to chase away the old vibes.