Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! The Julian Calendar, named after Julius Caesar,
first established January 1st as the start of the new year in 45 B.C.
But did you know that January 1st was not celebrated as the
start of the new year during the Middle Ages (between the
twelfth century and until 1752). That day was celebrated on
March 25th, also known as Feast of the Annunciation, or
Lady Day.
The Gregorian Calendar, named after Pope
Gregory XIII was adopted in 1582. In 1600 Scotland
changed their new year to January 1st, but it was not until
1752 that England celebrated January 1st as New Year’s Day.
A few events that have happened on this day are listed below.
1502 Portuguese explorers arrived at Guanabara Bay on the South American coast. The
seafarers initially thought the bay to be the mouth of a large river and therefore gave it the name
of Rio de Janeiro which, when translated, means River of January. Today Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s
second largest city.
1776 George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag at Prospect Hill. It was raised on a 76
foot schooner mast and, representing the united colonies, it was raised to a 13 gun salute. This
was the first national flag of America.
1863 The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in
the ten states which remained in rebellion against the union, freeing more than three quarters of
the nation’s four million slaves.
1877 Although having held the title since Parliament had passed The Royal Titles Act back in
May 1876, Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India on January 1st 1877.
1901 The Commonwealth of Australia was founded. Edmund Barton took office as the first
Prime Minister on January 1st 1901. He remained Prime Minister until September 24th 1903.
1942
26 countries signed the Declaration of the United 9