Did you know that the day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1. Well, not until the Romans set it.

And did you know that the celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. The Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon  after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. It is considered the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.

The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison.

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