New Year’s Day marks a fresh start, a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. But did you know there’s more to the New Year than champagne toasts and countdown clocks? From ancient traditions to quirky modern-day customs, the history of New Year’s celebrations is filled with interesting and unexpected facts.

January 1 Became The Start Of The Year In 46 B.C.  

The idea of starting the year on January 1 comes from none other than Julius Caesar. When he introduced the Julian calendar in 46 B.C., he made the year begin in January to honor Janus, the Roman god of doors and beginnings. With two faces, Janus symbolizes looking into the past while looking forward into the future—fitting for the start of a new year.

"Auld Lang Syne" Has Scottish Roots  

The classic New Year’s song "Auld Lang Syne" is a tradition at most celebrations worldwide. Written by Scottish poet Robert Burns, the song’s lyrics encourage us to reflect on old friendships and look warmly toward the past. Fun fact—it roughly translates to “for old times’ sake.”

Dropping The Ball Began In 1907

The iconic ball drop at Times Square started over a century ago, in 1907. That year, a ban on fireworks led to the creative lighted ball idea, initially constructed using wood and iron and weighing 700 pounds. Today’s modern version is nearly 12 feet in diameter, weighs 11,875 pounds, and is covered in thousands of sparkling Waterford crystals.

The Most Common New Year’s Resolution Is Health-Related

You’ve probably heard the phrase “new year, new me.” Unsurprisingly, health-related resolutions—like exercising more, eating healthier, or losing weight—top the list of New Year’s goals. Research suggests that close to 35% of Americans set at least one fitness goal every New Year.

Spain's New Year Tradition? 12 Grapes at Midnight  

While champagne might be the norm in many countries, Spaniards mark the New Year by eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each strike of the clock. This custom is said to bring good luck for the months ahead.

Some Cultures Wear Specific Colors for Luck  

Did you know wearing certain colors on New Year’s has symbolic meaning in different cultures? For instance, wearing red underwear in Italy is believed to bring love, while yellow is the go-to color in Latin America, symbolizing wealth and success.

Denmark Smashes Plates—Literally  

Danes have a unique New Year’s tradition of smashing plates on friends’ and neighbors’ doorsteps as a sign of good luck and friendship. The bigger the pile of broken plates outside your house, the more popular you are!

Australians Get the First Taste of the New Year

Did you know Australia is one of the first countries to ring in the New Year? Thanks to its time zone, Sydney’s stunning fireworks display often kicks off global New Year’s celebrations. Meanwhile, places like American Samoa are among the last to say goodbye to the previous year.

The New Year’s Baby Dates Back To The Ancient Greeks  

The concept of the New Year’s Baby, often depicted in marketing campaigns and celebrations, is far from modern. It actually originates from ancient Greece, where they celebrated rebirth with the image of a baby carried in a basket as part of their festivals.

A Fresh Start Awaits  

The New Year is more than just a celebration—it’s a meaningful time filled with history, traditions, and a shared sense of hope across cultures. Whether you eat grapes at midnight, watch the iconic ball drop, or wear a lucky color, the New Year is an opportunity to carry forward the best of the past and look ahead with excitement.