New Year in UK

January 1 is considered as the first day of the first month of a year, as per the Gregorian calendar. In the year 1752, this day was officially declared as New Year's Day in UK and its colonies across the world. From then onwards, it serves as a door to send old year out and bring New Year in. In UK, New Year is celebration time, when everybody seems to be in the perfect festive mood after Christmas. The land, water and hills of UK all can be seen drenched in the lights of New Year. Lavish parties, delicious food, rocking music and energetic people can be spotted across the country. People keep themselves indulged in various festive activities. Let us know more on celebrating New Year in Britain.

New Year Celebrations In United Kingdom
New Year in UK is the time that everybody, right from children to adults, keeps waiting for eagerly. UK, being famous for its grand celebration of various festivals, is hot spot for tourists across the world on New Year as well, who come here to spent the last night of previous year and witness the morning sun of the coming year. All the major cities and towns in the country remain full of human voices and noises of cheering, which including the roar of people wishing each other a Happy New Year.

In UK, New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm, either by having a party at home with family and friends or gathering at a pub or club. At the stroke of midnight, people start cheering, hooting, whistling, kissing and drinking toasts. In UK, the biggest draw is the New Year parade. These parades are organized in all the major cities of UK and anyone can become a part of them. Loud rocking music, beautiful dance performances and mind blowing party-like environment draws people of every age group and religion.

UK consists of four countries- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Though New Year celebrations are hosted in all these countries, a little difference is spotted in their respective celebration manner.

England
In England, New Year is celebrated from the evening of December 31 to the morning of January 1. Parades, lavish parties and colorful firecrackers all form a part of the celebratory mood. The people open back door to let old year out and ask the first dark haired man to be seen to come through the front door, carrying salt, coal and bread. This means that the following year everyone in the house will have enough to eat (bread), enough money to spend (salt) and be warm enough (coal).

Scotland
Nowhere in the world you would find such a grand New Year celebration as takes place in Scotland. The celebration is called 'Hogmanay' and the term has been derived from an oatmeal cake, which is given to children on New Year Eve. Scotland welcomes tourists from all over the world on New Year. Here also, the custom of first footing is observed.

Wales
New Year's Eve is called "Nos Galan" in Welsh and it is strongly believed here that you should pay off all your debts before the New Year arrives. On the New Year day, which is called "Dydd Calan", children get up early in the morning, visit neighbor's house and sing sweet songs. They are given coins, mince pies, apples and other sweets for singing.