January 1 marks the New Year in the Gregorian calendar, and is celebrated by many
communities world-wide.
Korean New Year was originally a lunar festival, called Son-nal, held at the beginning of
the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21 or 22). Nowadays, New
Year's is often celebrated on the solar New Year, January 1st. Many Korean families use
this day to honor ancestors, have special food, and play traditional games.
Oshogatsu (January 1-3) is an important festival for many Japanese people. Some gather
with friends and families to say good-bye to the old year at forgetting parties. They also
say hello to the New Year. Many Japanese, some of whom practice Shintoism, welcome
in the New Year with prayers for renewal of hearts, good health, and prosperity.
In North America, January 1 has become a day for Buddhists of all schools to attend a
special service in the local temple.
For many people, New Year's Eve is a secular holiday and has become an occasion for
l…
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