New Year's Traditions Around the World

The video explores the history and traditions of New Year's celebrations. It begins with the Babylonian festival of Akitu and traces the evolution of New Year's Day from March to January 1st, influenced by Julius Caesar's calendar reform. The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, restored January 1st as New Year's Day. The video also highlights how different cultures celebrate New Year at various times, such as Rosh Hashanah, the Islamic New Year, and the Chinese New Year. It concludes with a look at global traditions, including Spain's grape-eating and the famous Times Square ball drop.

What was the original New Year celebration called?

• Beltane

• Akitu

• Saturnalia

• Lupercalia

Who introduced a calendar that moved New Year's Day to January 1st?

• Julius Caesar

• Pope Gregory XIII

• Augustus Caesar

• Constantine the Great

Which calendar reform restored January 1st as New Year's Day?

• Lunar Calendar

• Julian Calendar

• Gregorian Calendar

• Babylonian Calendar

Which New Year's celebration lasts for a whole month?

• Diwali

• Eid al-Fitr

• Rosh Hashanah

• Chinese New Year

Which New Year's celebration is marked by the first day of Muharram?

• Hindu New Year

• Buddhist New Year

• Jewish New Year

• Islamic New Year

Which culture celebrates New Year's with 12 grapes at midnight?

• Japanese

• Spanish

• Chinese

• Greek

What do Greeks traditionally bake into their New Year's cakes?

• Almonds

• Raisins

• Chocolate chips

• Silver or gold coins

In Japan, what do long buckwheat noodles symbolize during New Year's?

• Wealth

• Happiness

• Prosperity

• Long life

What does a dumpling represent in Chinese New Year traditions?

• Wealth

• Family unity

• Hope for an auspicious year

• Health

Where is the famous New Year's Eve ball drop held?

• Sydney

• New York's Times Square

• Paris

• London