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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Autumn in Central Park, New York, United States
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Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
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Protecting the gentle giants
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Butterfly, fly away
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When only a hug will do
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Christmas star lanterns, Germany
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Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
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Endangered Species Day
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A vibrant, sun-drenched island
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Happy St Patricks Day!
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International Beaver Day
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Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal
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A pine forest in Alsace, France
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Wasson Peak, Saguaro National Park, Arizona, United States
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World Art Day
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Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
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A flashy, frigid waterfowl
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Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
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Moon Day
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Hop into Lunar New Year
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Teeming with trout
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Jorvik Viking Festival
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Saint Davids Day
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Snæfellsnes, Iceland
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Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
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Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
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International Zebra Day
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We’ve identified these ‘flying objects’
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Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

