Happy New Year"s Day! Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year today. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.
Happy New Year!
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Wildflower bloom, Central Valley, California, United States
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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World Otter Day
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Skradinski Buk Waterfall, Krka National Park, Croatia
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Pastel perfection
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Stepping back in time
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Do pandas enjoy winter?
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Preserving Alaskas natural beauty
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World Environment Day
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A legend sprung from the ground
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Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco
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Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
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Where is this majestic museum?
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Nature’s own canvas
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Gaztelugatxe islet at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
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World Wildlife Day
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National Mushroom Day
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Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston
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Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
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Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
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Happy Canada Day!
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Wheaton River, Yukon
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World Honey Bee Day
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International Dark Sky Week
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The world’s greatest oasis?
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Protecting the gentle giants
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Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
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Ouimet Canyon in the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
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A view that’s out of this world
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St. Paul Winter Carnival
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

