New Year's Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar. In countries using the Gregorian calendar as their main calendar, it is a public holiday, often celebrated with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts. January 1 on the Julian calendar corresponds to January 14 on the Gregorian calendar, and it is on that date that followers of some of the Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate the New Year.
It is documented that the Roman ruler Julius Caesar established January 1 as New Year's Day in 46 BC. The Romans dedicated this day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces - one looking forward and the other looking backward. This suggests that New Year's celebrations are founded on pagan traditions.
Among the 7th century pagans of Flanders and the Netherlands, it was the custom to exchange gifts at the New Year. This was a pagan custom deplored by Saint Eligius, who warned the Flemings and Dutchmen, "(Do not) make vetulas, [little figures of the Old Woman], little deer or iotticos or set tables at night or exchange New Year gifts or supply superfluous drinks."
Most countries in Western Europe officially adopted January 1 as New Year's Day somewhat before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. In England, the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, was the first day of the new year until the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. Dates in March, coinciding with the spring equinox, or commemorating the Annunciation of Jesus, along with a variety of Christian feast dates were used throughout the Middle Ages, though calendars often continued to display the months in columns running from January to December, thus listing January as the first month of the year.
This day is traditionally a religious feast, but since the 1900s has become an occasion to celebrate the night of December 31, called New Year's Eve. January 1 represents the fresh start of a new year after a period of remembrance of the passing year which the media initiates in early December. It is customary for this time to be used to personally set goals and make resolutions for change in the coming year.
At the location of the cache you will be in a quiet area adjacent to the highway. There is room to park on the road near the cache. Do not attempt this cache from Highway 81, it's not only dangerous, but possibly illegal. You are looking for a container bigger than a bison tube, but smaller than a soda can. Take time to watch those blazing by in a hurry and reflect on the coming year. Respect the area, CITO if needed, use stealth if warranted, and rehide the cache as you find it so the next person can have the same challenge. Thank you and good luck.
Congratulations "KayLee1980", "littlecoop22", & "sjreed51": First to Find - January 01, 2011
