Or actually, it might be even more accurate to say happy victory. In many ancient cultures, that’s what the beginning of the new year was: a victory, usually of the sun god/goddess over a darker or more evil counterpart.
I think it’s fun to reflect on the meaning of the new year as a transitional time. In old calendars across the world, the start of the new year was determined by the changes in nature — moon phases after the winter solstice, for example, or the flooding of the Nile. These changes had a practical meaning for people who farmed and lived off the land, but they also had a spiritual meaning, as evident in myths about the return of summer or dark battling light.
Our idea of the new year beginning January 1st comes from the Romans. I’ve seen sources that say the month “January” was named for both Juno, aka Hera, queen of the gods, and Janus, the gatekeeper god. Janus also ruled the first day of every month, and new beginnings — and doorways. He was often depicted as literally two-faced, not because he was deceptive, but because he could look into the past and the future at the same time.
Oh, and the whole idea of new years’ resolutions? There’s evidence that ancient Babylonians did something similar! They celebrated their new year in March, though. So if your resolutions need a brush-up a few months from now, just say you’re following the Babylonian tradition. 😉
In Wednesday’s post I mentioned that all of 2021 has felt like a transition to me. I’m excited to finally step through the doorway into a new year! And I hope that the new year brings new goals and new joys to all of you, also. 🙂 Happy New Year’s Eve!
Selected Sources
Check out History.com’s article for a brief historical overview here.
Thoughtco also had a fun listicle on new years’ traditions here.
And for World History Encyclopedia entry on Janus, look here!
