Most Americans and Europeans think of New Year's as a holiday that always happens on Jan. 1 and provides an excuse for a great deal of celebrating. But in much of the rest of the world, New Year's does not necessarily come along in January and may not involve revelry.
The following are just a few examples of the many different New Year's celebrations that take place around the world:
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, occurs in September or early October. It begins a 10-day period of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur. It is a time to remember the world's creation and God's covenant with Israel, and to repent and hope for the future.
The Japanese New Year takes place Jan. 1, but celebrations run from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3. Celebrations involve family gatherings and visits to religious shrines.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19, at the time of the new moon. Street processions are often featured parts of the festivities. The holiday celebrates "turning over a new leaf" and stresses family ties.
The Muslim New Year commemorates the date of the Hegira, the emigration of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622. Since the Muslim year is a lunar one consisting of 354 days, the date fluctuates widely on the Western calendar. Observances include several days of fasting.
BOOKS
"The Book of Holidays Around the World," by Alice van Straalen (1986)
A listing of holidays of virtually every variety.
"Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, Second Edition" Edited by Helene Henderson and Sue Ellen Thompson (1997)
This comprehensive collection provides detailed holiday descriptions.
WEB SITES
Jewish New Year:
www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/roshhashanah/
You can skim the surface of Rosh Hashana or go deep at Torah.org, which was created to educate people about Jewish history, culture and religion.
Muslim New Year:
www.masnet.org/news.asp?id=987
The Muslim America Society (MAS), a charitable and religious organization, offers a brief description of the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
Chinese New Year:
www.c-c-c.org/
Posted by the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, this site has a variety of links about Chinese culture and lifestyles, mainly oriented to the San Francisco Bay area.
Japanese New Year:
www.cgjsf.org/en/e_m08_01_10.htm
This site, presented by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, provides a wide variety of information and links about Japanese culture and society.
– TOM STINSON, STAFF RESEARCHER
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