The New Year

In the western world we think of the new year as a clean slate. We use it to start over with promises and resolutions to ourselves.

The New Year is usually imbued with our own hope for wanting to see changes in the world around us and changes from within. We give little heed to the person the we currently are as the calendar turns from one year to the next. One day to the next. I wrote about this topic extensively, at the turn of the 2023 New Year. Read about it here.

Is today different from yesterday? If we treat every day as a new start, then yes it is. Each day gives us the opportunity to accomplish new things based on what happened in our lives previously. The past is something we cannot change. It has led to the present moment. However, we do have the ability to change the next moment.

As some of us look towards making resolutions for the new year, give this article a read or re-read. I wrote it in 2022 about intentions versus resolutions. My hope is that it resonates for you today in 2024.

New Year Celebrations Around the World

Many cultures observe the New Year at different times. Each has their own traditions and celebrations.

In India, from which yoga originates, there are many cultural differences in the various regions of the country. So, it is impossible to generalize as to when the New Year starts in that country. Depending on the region, some celebrations are based on the solar calendar like ours, and some follow a lunar calendar. Nevertheless, today is a great day to do a series of sun salutations to welcome in the new year.

Image used with courtesy from Tummee.com

(Do not try sun salutations on your own unless you are cleared by a doctor.)

Japanese New Year is celebrated today on January 1. In Japanese culture, New Year's Day is the day that your calendar birthday changes. For example, if you turn 21 on May 26, 2024 then you become 21 today, instead. (Yes, it actually makes you older than you think you are!)

I was married into a Japanese-American family and today was a very big deal in that culture. The extended family gathered to prepare the meal starting a week ahead of time. On New Year's Day, we would pound the mochi (rice) that was cooking outside in traditional steamers. When it was nearly ready to eat, we would put different fillings into the rice so that it was ready to be placed into the soup or eaten on the side. Most of us spent time in the kitchen chopping vegetables for the most onolicious soup you ever had!

Cultures that use the lunar calendar to celebrate the new year, may celebrate the new year in February. This is true of several Asian cultures. My favorite being the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated by cleaning out the old spirits with lots of noise (usually from firecrackers and cymbals) and making room for good luck and a prosperous new year. Thus the dragon dance. If you've never been to one of these festivities, I highly recommend it if you have the opportunity. You can probably find a Chinese New Year celebration in any Chinatown in a big city.

Whenever, wherever, or however you celebrate the new year, I wish you health and happiness in 2024!