When was January 1st celebrated as New Year’s Day for the first time in history?

The first official celebration of January 1st as New Year’s Day took place in 45 B.C.. This reform was introduced by Julius Caesar under the Julian calendar.

Background:

• Before 45 B.C., the Roman calendar was based on lunar cycles and often fell out of sync with the seasons.


• Julius Caesar, with the help of Greek astronomers, reformed the calendar and aligned it with the solar year.


• January was chosen because it was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, and transitions.

Key Facts:

• Event: First New Year’s Day on January 1st


• Year: 45 B.C.


• Calendar: Julian calendar introduced by Julius Caesar


• Significance: Foundation of the modern New Year celebration observed worldwide today

Thus, the correct answer is 45 B.C., when Julius Caesar established January 1st as the first official New Year’s Day.