New Year's Day

New Year's Day History

New Year's Day in Ukraine holds significant cultural and historical value, and is considered one of its most important annual observances. This day is dedicated to ushering in the new year with positivity and openness, inviting good fortune and harmony. Celebrations are designed to bring people together in a mutual spirit of merriment and camaraderie, highlighting the essence of community that forms a critical part of Ukrainian culture.

Historically, Ukrainians have viewed New Year's Day as a symbol of rebirth and fresh beginnings. The transition from the old to the new year was derived from ancient rituals signifying the passage of time, and was observed even before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. As a blend of Christian and Pagan traditions, Ukraine's New Year celebrations have evolved into a unique amalgamation of practices that distinguish it from new year festivities in other parts of the world.

New Year's Day in Ukraine is typically celebrated with much fanfare. Entertainment activities include fireworks, concerts, and family feasts near midnight. The tradition of decorating the "New Year tree", related to the Western Christmas tree, lending an added charm to the celebratory spirit. People dress up as characters from folklore, embodying these figures to bring joy and laughter to family gatherings. Specifically, in Ukraine, New Year's Day is celebrated as a national holiday on the first of January, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year.

Facts about New Year's Day

• Worldwide Baby New Year is the most common symbol associated with this holiday. He is a toddler dressed in a diaper, hat, and sash bearing the numbers of the new year. The myth states that he matures into an old man during the course of the year. On December 31st, he hands his hat and sash to the new Baby New Year.
• In the early Roman calendar, New Year was celebrated on March 1st. The new celebration of New Year on January 1st started in Rome in 153 BC. The New Year was moved to January because it was a month when two newly elected Roman consuls began their tenure, which reflected the beginning of civil year.

In the News and Trending in Ukraine for New Year's Day

Top things to do in Ukraine for New Year's Day

• Make new resolutions for the upcoming year and let go of what happened in the previous one.