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　　January first. The beginning of a new year. As far back in history as wecan tell, people have celebrated the start of a new year.

　　The people of ancient Egypt began their new year in summer. That is whenthe Nile River flooded its banks, bringing water and fertility to the land. Thepeople of ancient Babylonia and Persia began their new year on Marchtwenty-first, the first day of spring. And, some Native American Indians begantheir new year when the nuts of the oak tree became ripe. That was usually inlate summer.

　　Now, almost everyone celebrates New Years Day on January first. Today, asbefore, people observe the New Years holiday in many different ways.

　　The ancient Babylonians celebrated by forcing their king to give up hiscrown and royal clothing. They made him get down on his knees and admit all themistakes he had made during the past year.

　　This idea of admitting wrongs and finishing the business of the old year isfound in many societies at new years. So is the idea of making resolutions. Aresolution is a promise to change your ways. To stop smoking, for example. Or toget more physical exercise.

　　Noise-making is another ancient custom at the new year. The noise isconsidered necessary to chase away the evil spirits of the old year. Peoplearound the world do different things to make a lot of noise. They may hit stickstogether. Or beat on drums. Or blow horns. Or explode fireworks.

　　Americans celebrate the New Year in many ways.

　　Most do not have to go to work or school. So they visit family and friends.Attend church services. Share a holiday meal. Or watch new years parades ontelevision. Two of the most famous parades are the Mummers Parade inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Bothhave existed for many years.

　　Americans also watch football on television on New Years Day. Most years,university teams play in special holiday games.

　　For those who have been busy at work or school, New Years may be a day ofrest. They spend the time thinking about, and preparing for, the demands of thenew year.