Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/New Year's Day

NEW YEAR'S DAY, the day on which the year commences in the Gregorian calendar; the 1st of January; usually called New Year, or New Year's. The celebration of the commencement of the new year dates from high antiquity. The Jews regarded it as the anniversary of Adam's birthday, and celebrated it with splendid entertainments; a practice which they have continued down to the present time. The Romans also made this a holiday, and dedicated it to Janus with rich and numerous sacrifices; the newly elected magistrates entered upon their duties on this day; the people made each other presents of gilt dates, figs, and plums; and even the emperors received from their subjects New Year's gifts, which at a later period it became compulsory to bestow. From the Romans the custom of making presents on New Year's Day was borrowed by the Christians, by whom it was long retained; but even in those countries where it has lingered longest, it is falling rapidly into desuetude.