Probably observed on March 1 in the old
Roman Calendar, The
World Book Encyclopedia of 1984, volume 14, page 237 states: "The Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1 as New Year's Day in 46 BC. The Romans dedicated this day to
Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces - one looking forward and the other looking backward." This suggests that New Year's celebrations are founded on pagan traditions. Some have suggested this occurred in
153 BC, when it was stipulated that the two annual
consuls (after whose names the years were identified) entered into office on that day, though no consensus exists on the matter.
[1] Dates in March, coinciding with the
spring equinox, or commemorating the
Annunciation of
Jesus, along with a variety of Christian feast dates were used throughout the
Middle Ages, though calendars often continued to display the months in columns running from January to December.
Among the 7th century
pagans of
Flanders and the
Netherlands, it was the custom to exchange gifts at the New Year. This was a pagan custom deplored by
Saint Eligius(died 659 or 660), who warned the Flemings and Dutchmen, "(Do not) make vetulas, [little figures of the Old Woman], little deer or iotticos or set tables [for the house-elf, compare
Puck] at night or exchange New Year gifts or supply superfluous drinks [another
Yule custom]." The quote is from the
vita of Eligius written by his companion,
Ouen.
