Old New Year’s Day

Old New Year’s Day is an annual holiday devoted to the celebration of the Old New Year according to pagan traditions. Usually, we are used to hearing the date of January 14, but in this case, it is on March 25. We’ll tell you all about it!

History

The history of Old New Year’s Day is much older than it may seem. The holiday dates back to the 2000s B.C. in Mesopotamia during the vernal equinox (around March 25). There were only 10 months, counting the New Year from the first month (March).

The Romans, under the leadership of Julius Caesar, developed a new calendar called the Julian calendar. It included 12 months, and the holiday was moved to January.

The tradition of celebrating in March returned to society in the 400s A.D. Then, the Roman abbot Dionysius Exiguus created the Anno Domini calendar, which began to be used in several countries. Given that Jesus was conceived on the Annunciation, 9 months before Christmas, March 25 became the symbol of the New Year.

Interesting facts

• The Julian calendar was created in 46 BC.
• Dionysius Exiguus is commemorated on September 1.

How to celebrate

Everyone decides for themselves how to celebrate Old New Year’s Day. Some people prefer to take a day off and devote their free time to their favorite hobby. Others gather all their family and friends and have fun and colorful parties. Others skip the celebration of the Old New Year altogether and celebrate only the classic version of the holiday, which falls on January 1.

Spread the word on social media. Ask other users how they like to celebrate Old New Year’s Day.

When is Old New Year’s Day in 2025?

Old New Year’s Day is observed on March 25 each year.

Observations