Reading Theme:
New Year's Day: Meaning, Traditions & Usage
Meaning 1：first day of the year (New Year's Day)
New Year's Day
/ˌnuː ˈjɪrz ˌdeɪ/
n
The first day of the year, on January 1st, when people celebrate the start of a new year.
first day of the year
➕
/fɜːrst deɪ əv ðə jɪr/
n
New Year's Day is the day that marks the beginning of a new calendar year, observed on January 1st. It is a public holiday in many countries, celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and fireworks.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Etymology: 'New' (OE niwe) + 'Year' (OE gear) + 'Day' (OE dæg).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a calendar turning to January 1: the first day of a fresh 12-month cycle.
📖 Example
We always gather with relatives and share a special meal on New Year's Day.
We always gather with relatives and share a special meal on New Year's Day.
🔗 Collocations
New Year's Day parade – a public procession held on New Year's Day
New Year's Day dinner – a special meal shared with family on New Year's Day
New Year's Day holiday – the day off work/school observed on January 1st
🔄 Synonyms
January 1st (n) – the specific date of New Year's Day
New Year's (n) – informal short form for New Year's Day or New Year's Eve
first of January (n) – alternative way to refer to New Year's Day
📖 Cultural Story
New Year's Day was established on January 1 by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE with the Julian calendar. The tradition of making resolutions originates from ancient Babylonians. Today it is a global public holiday.
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