New Year's Day

In the United States and many other countries around the world, January 1, the first day of the Gregorian calendar.  The day begins with hangover concoctions for some and, for others, prayers of gratitude for surviving to see a new year filled with promise.

Most historians credit the Roman emperor Julius Caesar with developing the Julian calendar, designating January 1 as the start of a new year.

The Gregorian calendar, which many nations around the world use today, arrived in 1582 when Pope Gregory XIII aligned the calendar, not with the moon, but with the earth’s rotation around the sun — marking 365 days.

Around the world, people commemorate this occasion with family and friends, or have massive gatherings. They decorate their homes, throw parties and bake for their loved ones.