The celebration of the new year is one that everyone around the world is familiar with. Perhaps that is why the New Year is one of the largest annual celebrations despite not having religous origins unlike other holidays that are widely commemorated such as Christmas. This is due to New Year's not having one singular origin in one specific country or part of the world.

 

The differences in how New Year's is celebrated is what makes it distinctive and unique. Cultures around the world celebrate New Year's differently. In China New Year's (also known as Lunar New Year) is celebrated in February and giving each other red envelopes and gifts is a common tradition as well as watching lion and dragon dances. In Bangladesh, Pohela Boishakh occurs in April and is widely celebrated regardless of religion. The origins date back to ancient Mughal rule in the region, there are processions held as per tradition.

 

With so many different cultural practices at New Year's it is no wonder why it is one of the most widely held festival. How do you celebrate the New Year?