Like many other countries in the world, Canada follows the Gregorian calendar, which marks the beginning of a new year on January 1. The January 1st holiday is a federal, provincial, and territorial holiday in Canada. Public services are not normally provided on January 1. Schools and businesses are closed because most people are taking the day off.
What is the History of New Year's Day?
Records show that the earliest New Year's Day celebrations were held on January 1 in 45 B.C., when the Julian calendar was initially employed. The Julian Calendar replaced the earlier Roman calendar that had been in use. The ancient Romans utilized a 10-month calendar to mark the passage of time; hence their New Year's celebrations took place in March. The adoption of the Julian calendar, however, brought change of date for the new year’s day celebration..
The Julian calendar was used throughout much of the world until the Gregorian calendar replaced it. Roman scholar, statesman, and general Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar. Since January and February were not traditionally part of the calendar before this reform, the New Year's celebration was moved from March to January 1. The Julian calendar had excessive leap years ;therefore, the Gregorian calendar was developed to realign the annual equinoxes.
The Gregorian calendar was adopted in honor of Pope Gregory XIII, who oversaw its creation. Since the Gregorian calendar has been adopted by the vast majority of countries worldwide, including Canada, New Year's Day is now celebrated on January 1st of each year.
How is New Year's Day Celebrated in Canada?
Canadians celebrate the arrival of this day with New Year countdowns, the viewing of fireworks displays, the attendance of parties, family gatherings, and concerts, and the consumption of traditional New Year's delicacies made just for the event.
Others may go ice fishing, attend midnight mass, or vacation during the holiday season. In addition, many people in Canada partake in the tradition of penning down their "New Year's Resolutions" each year. A New Year's resolution is a promise made by an individual to themselves to better themselves in some aspect of their personality or conduct in the next year.
How are Countdowns and Fireworks Displayed in Canada?
Celebrations of the New Year are held all around the world. Canadians, like their counterparts worldwide, traditionally countdown to the new year. Many areas of the provinces and territories of Canada set off fireworks and firecrackers at midnight. Canadians, as a whole, regularly attend these massive fireworks shows. Large crowds frequently congregate in public places to watch these spectacular shows, which are put on to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
New Year's Day Food
Canadians traditionally celebrate New Year's Day with meals and drinks with loved ones. Canadians aren't the only ones who think certain dishes should be eaten for good fortune or because of their symbolic significance. Rice noodles, for instance, are commonly prepared in Canada because they represent long life. Pomegranate is also served since it is thought to be auspicious. Also considered auspicious are grapes, bacon, and lentils.