The onset of a new calendar year varies, depending on cultural norms. Among the numerous start dates, the below offer up several examples:
This begs a fascinating question: why are there so many different dates for the start of a new year if we all live on the same planet in the same solar system?
Scholars would be able to answer this question, but the average lay person should be given a chance to contemplate this enigma without all the justifications set forth by anthropologists, astronomers, historians, and holy men with their holy books held high.
While this blogger dares not to venture a guess, there is an upside to the dizzying array of New Years. If one slips up on the typical New Year's resolution, i.e. lose weight, make more money, stop yelling at kids, spouse and dog, go to a yoga class - hey, no worries.
Simply honor all the other New Year's days and you can resolve to resolve all over again. Just think what a wonderful life! So many new beginnings and choices available to the human race...
So if at first you don't succeed, just Google the next upcoming New Year and try again.
- Western New Year - Jan.1, 2014
- Chinese New Year - Jan. 31, 2014
- Tibetan New Year - March 2, 2014
- Jewish New Year - Sept. 24th 2014
- Mayan New Year (they gave up in 2013)
This begs a fascinating question: why are there so many different dates for the start of a new year if we all live on the same planet in the same solar system?
Scholars would be able to answer this question, but the average lay person should be given a chance to contemplate this enigma without all the justifications set forth by anthropologists, astronomers, historians, and holy men with their holy books held high.
While this blogger dares not to venture a guess, there is an upside to the dizzying array of New Years. If one slips up on the typical New Year's resolution, i.e. lose weight, make more money, stop yelling at kids, spouse and dog, go to a yoga class - hey, no worries.
Simply honor all the other New Year's days and you can resolve to resolve all over again. Just think what a wonderful life! So many new beginnings and choices available to the human race...
So if at first you don't succeed, just Google the next upcoming New Year and try again.
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