There are many different types of New Year’s around the world. Even in America there are many different New Year’s celebrated since people from all over the world come to America. The American New Year dates back to the 1800s but the first ball drop in Time Square was in 1907. Currently, many versions of the ball drop are held in a variety of cities all over the United States. I have always had an interest in different New Year’s around the world so I thought I would share what I have learned!

A common New Year that I have particularly heard a lot about has been the Chinese New Year. The date for the Chinese New Year is not set but always falls between January 21^st through February 21^st. The change of date depends on when the new moon of the first lunar month falls. In modern China, this is known as the Spring Festival.

A second very popular holiday is the Jewish New Year. This New Year is celebrated in autumn on the first two days of the 7^th month of the Hebrew calendar. The Jewish New Year is a time for Jews all around the world to think back on their mistakes and plan for changes in the future. A tradition for this holiday is to eat apples dipped in sweet honey as a symbol for the new year.

Thai New Year  is also called the Songkran and is celebrated from April 13-15^th. To celebrate the new year, the people of Thailand throw water. They do this by using water guns, hoses, buckets of water, etc. in order to get each other soaked. The water symbolizes the faith that there will be good rain in the new year.

Enkutatash is known as the Ethiopia new year . The new year for the Ethiopian calendar starts on September 11^th. The start of the new year is the end of the rainy season. Some popular traditions for this new year include: BBQing corn, coffee ceremony, and spreading fresh scented grass on the floor.

Every new year is different but they each have special traditions that have been kept for centuries. They all seem to have unique rituals of predetermining that good is yet to come and the bad spirits and vibes will be left in the past. Many people spend New Years going to parties.  I like to make it special by bringing a bottle of wine or champagne and attaching a Penless Wine Tag.  It’s a great way to spread the New Years cheer!