Happy New Year! Jan. 1, 2025

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.

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Today in History

Napping near the North Pole
Jan. 1, 2024Happy New Year!

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Sep. 26, 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
May 14, 2025Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
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Oct. 10, 2023Mount Sopris, Colorado
Where is this scenic view?
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Aug. 30, 2024International Whale Shark Day
Trails leading to the gateway of nature.
Jan. 6, 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
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World Hippo Day, a giant celebration
Sep. 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
Jul. 11, 2025World Population Day
Nov. 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Nov. 18, 2024Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales, United Kingdom
A view that’s out of this world
An island crossroad of culture
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A kiss and a sigh
May 24, 2025European Day of Parks
Nov. 30, 2025Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany