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<ul><li>The reason why New Year is celebrated on January 1 has its own history dating back to 4,000 years.<br /></li><li>The month of January gets its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings.<br /></li><li>The Gregorian calendar of our time is the result of several revisions done earlier. <br /></li></ul>Gregorian calendar is the most widely accepted date sheet across the world today. Celebrating New Year is not new to us. As we enthusiastically rejoice the birth of 2020 and experience its freshness in several ways, let us know the history behind why the world celebrates New Year on January 1.<br /><br /><strong>Equinox marked the New Year<br /></strong><br />Historical records tell us that New Year celebrations started 4,000 years back. The historic city of Babylon organized festivities when Equinox came to be considered as the beginning of the year. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/equinox">Equinox is the time</a> when the sun crosses the earth’s equator. During this period, the lengths of days and nights will be equal all over the earth. Usually, the equinox during the spring time is recorded on March 21 and the equinox during autumn time is noted on September 22. The earliest known New Year days in history were celebrated on the spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox which will roughly match with March 21 of the calendar of our times. <br /><br /><strong>How the Julian calendar came to be <br /></strong><br />Under the rule of Julius Caesar, the calendar was altered to include 90 more days to the year in order to align the Roman calendar with the movement and position of the sun. With this reorganization, the modern calendar that we have today came to be followed. We can say the Julian calendar had a lot of resemblance to the modern day Gregorian calendar.<br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="73010978" title="Happy New Year 2020 messages and wishes for Whatsapp" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

<br /><br /><strong>January 1 becomes the New Year day<br /></strong><br />With the birth of Julian calendar, January 1 came to be considered as the New Year day and thus the world started celebrating New Year on this day. The name January is derived from the term ‘Janus’, the word that denotes the Roman god of beginnings. <br /><br />Janus is depicted with two faces to indicate that he looks at the past and future simultaneously. The Romans organized for sacrifices to please Janus on the first day of the new year. They decorated their houses gorgeously and also exchanged gifts with near and dear.<br /><br /><strong>New Year during the medieval times<br /></strong><br />In medieval Europe, the Christian leaders enjoined people to celebrate the New Year on December 25 in order to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Later in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII brought back the tradition of celebrating New Year on January 1. <br /><br /><strong>New Year Celebrations around us<br /></strong><br />Depending on the time zone of a country, the New Year Celebrations start during the midnight of December 31 and extend on January 1. People organize parties, play games, and celebrate with great enthusiasm and merry. The New Year day is declared a holiday in many countries. <br /><br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="73010765" title="New Year 2020 wishes and messages for friends and family" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

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Did you know that New Year was celebrated on Christmas day in medieval times? Read all the history behind New Year

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<br /> The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast.<br />
 <br /> Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752.<br />
 <br /> Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>.<br />
 <br /> With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir:</strong> Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as <em>Nilamat Purana</em>, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <em><keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword></em> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: </strong>In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: </strong>It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <em><keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword></em> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <em><keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword></em>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: </strong>Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful <em>gudhi</em> – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>.<br />
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<strong>Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: </strong>Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <em><keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword></em>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called <em>kolams</em> are drawn; traditional lamps or <em>kuthu vilakkus</em> are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as <em>niraikudums</em> are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features <em>pachadi</em>, fruits and <em>payasam</em> or dessert.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: </strong>Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <em><keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword></em> is served.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>:</strong> The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <em><keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword></em>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <em><keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword></em>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <em><keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword></em> is also celebrated on this day.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: </strong>In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals.<br />
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<strong>Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: </strong>Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as <em>pitha</em> and <em>laru</em> is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: </strong>Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life.<br />
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<strong>Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: </strong>Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of <em>dhols</em> and drums, mark this occasion.<br />
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<strong><keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: </strong>In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, <em>rangoli</em> and <em>torans</em> (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <em><keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword></em>.<br />
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<strong>Images: </strong>Wikipedia<br />
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New Year Festivities
Not Over Yet; Here Is How India
Celebrates

VIDEO: Lunar New Year celebrations from around the world

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Hassan Ammar/AF</span></p><p class="caption">A Saudi policeman walks between foreign workers at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque in Riyadh, on September 14, 2007</p></div><p></p></div></div>Saudi Arabia's religious police has warned against celebrating the New Year's Eve in the ultra-conservative Gulf kingdom, the local Okaz daily said on Sunday.</p>
<p>The Commission of the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, known unofficially as Mutawaa, based its warning on a religious edict from the top committee of Saudi clerics banning such celebrations, the newspaper said.</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia follows the Muslim lunar calendar, unlike all other Gulf states that use the Gregorian calendar.</p>
<p>Members of the commission enforce the kingdom's rule of strict segregation between sexes, and have traditionally forced women to cover from head to toe when in public.</p>
<p>They also go around shops to make sure they are shuttered during prayer times.</p>
<p>The religious police have been accused of abusing their powers.</p>
<p>But since January last year, the religious police have become more discreet with the appointment of their new chief, cleric Abdulatif bin Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, who banned the use of unmarked cars.</p>
<p>Mutawaa also traditionally banned the sale of red roses and gifts for Valentine's Day on February 14.</p>
<div class="nc_footer">
<p>Copyright (2013) AFP. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p></p>

Saudi Religious Police Warn Against New Year's Celebrations 

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right no-rightrail"><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS</span></p><p class="caption">People watch as fireworks explode over Copacabana beach during New Year celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 1, 2016.</p></div><p></p></div>Famous landmarks around the world lit up as spectacular firework displays rung in 2016.</p><p>Despite terror threats in capital cities across Europe, revellers came out in their thousands to watch Big Ben, Times Square, and other iconic sites illuminate beneath breathtaking pyrotechnics to celebrate the New Year.</p><p>We've gathered 13 of the most breathtaking images from last night's celebrations.</p>

Here's how people around the world celebrated the New Year

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've <a href="https://www.insider.com/clothes-a-professional-stylist-for-celebrities-would-never-wear-2021-9">worked as a celebrity stylist</a> for over 10 years, so I've seen plenty of trends come and go.</li><li>In 2022, you should look out for lots of textures, including quilted, fuzzy, and sequined <keyword id="12062142" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="clothing" source="Orion">clothing</keyword>. </li></ul><p>It's time to <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-design-trends-going-in-and-out-of-style-2021-12">embrace some new trends</a> and learn how to incorporate the next "it" items into your closet.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-looks-met-gala-2021-reviewed-by-stylist-photos">As a stylist</a> who's spent over a decade dressing people for TV, red carpets, and everyday life, here are some trends I'm loving for 2022:</p><h2><strong>Oversized quilted layers are coming in hot</strong></h2><p>When you think of quilted wardrobe pieces, you may associate them with hunting essentials. But quilted jackets can give you an oversized look while adding an edge to your <keyword id="11895715" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="style" source="Orion">style</keyword>.</p><p>Plus, you can style the look in so many ways.</p><p>On a date, I'd add a pair of jeans, over-the-knee boots, and a fun top. For accessories, I'd suggest fun earrings and some cute rings.</p><h2><strong>Fuzzy accessories</strong> are having a moment</h2><div type="image" title="sandra wearing a tan teddy material baseball hat" height="1660" width="2208" msid="88307739" hostid="261"></div><p>I know the influx of fuzz can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to determine which piece to add to your closet. But something like a hat or <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-handbags-have-changed-2019-1">purse</a> in a teddy or fleecy material can work for several seasons.</p><p>Many designers have hopped on the trend and created bags with the right amount of texture. This leaves you with the opportunity to wear it in the winter with your favorite coat and boots. Or you can do a <a href="https://www.insider.com/jeans-over-the-years-2018-8">denim look</a> in the warmer seasons and let your fuzzy purse do the talking. </p><h2><strong>You'll want to play around with lots of colorful resin rings</strong></h2><p>Gone are the days where gold, silver, and pearls were the go-to accessories. A colorful resin <a href="https://www.insider.com/i-wore-a-fake-engagement-ring-for-a-week-experiment-2019-2">ring</a> will give your fingers the glow you're looking for.</p><p>Wearing rings in the winter may feel like a lot of work when you have to switch into gloves and mittens. But you can try accessorizing over gloves with one or two rings to give your hands some pizzazz. </p><h2><strong>Sequins will shine their way into summer</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="sandra wearing a blue sequined top with an eye on it" height="1499" width="1998" msid="88307740" hostid="261"></div><p>Usually, the new year passes, and suddenly we're sick of glitter and sparkle. But you may want to think twice before you box everything up.</p><p>You can bring the sparkly look into the summer months by dressing it down with cropped white pants. Or you could even pair a sequined T-shirt with a pair of sweats for a super casual ensemble.</p><h2><strong>Mini skirts are sure to be the preferred length next year</strong></h2><p>We all loved mini skirts <a href="https://www.insider.com/movies-that-will-make-you-miss-the-90s">in the 1990s</a>. And if you missed out on the trend then, now is the perfect time to jump back in and show off your legs.</p><p>Pair the shirt with the stocking color of your choice on chillier days, or let it shine on its own when we start shedding heavier clothing this year. </p><h2><strong>Vested puffers are a timeless investment</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="sandra wearing a pink puffer vest over a neutral outfit" height="1137" width="1512" msid="88307742" hostid="261"></div><p>Whether you find them un<keyword id="11893303" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fashion" source="Orion">fashion</keyword>able or unflattering, you may want to rethink your stance on vests — this gem is going to change your fashion life and take you a long way this season. </p><p>When it's cold outside but you don't want to completely overwhelm your outfit with a coat, you can get away with just wearing a denim or leather jacket if you add a vest as an added protective layer. </p><p>I like to wear my vest with heels or jazz it up with a funky brim hat and a chunky turtleneck. </p><h2><strong>Y2K denim on denim is making a comeback in a big way</strong></h2><p>We all remember when <a href="https://www.insider.com/britney-spears-facts-2019-1">Britney Spears</a> and Justin Timberlake immortalized the denim-on-denim trend on the red carpet, and I'm here to tell you it's back.</p><p>It's conveniently made it easier to get dressed without worrying about what to pair together. Instead, your only worry is matching the shoes to the occasion</p><h2><strong>Square-toe shoes are the new wave of comfort</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="sandra wearing square-toe heels and pink pants" height="1382" width="1843" msid="88307743" hostid="261"></div><p>You can say goodbye to pointed toes and fix your eye on a new wave of comfort: <a href="https://www.insider.com/heels-each-year-2018-8">square-toe heels</a>.</p><p>There's an assortment of styles that you're going to want to add to your shoe closet — including some trendy bold prints.</p><p>There are incredible ways you can wear them, too. I like to style mine casually with a pair of jeans, a mini skirt, or shorts. </p><h2><strong>A corset is guaranteed to catch your attention in the new year</strong></h2><p>Corsets used to be undergarments, but the silhouetted top is the best purchase for this season.</p><p>A corset offers an amazing empowerment structure, and some designers are incorporating them into their pieces.</p><p>It's versatile, and it's a great way to jazz up your closet.</p><h2><strong>Yellow can brighten up your winter closet</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="sandra wearing a yellow shirt and green leather shorts" height="2251" width="2994" msid="88307744" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-colors-to-have-in-bedroom-according-to-psychologist-2021-11">Yellow</a> will brighten up cold, dim months.</p><p>I'd start by investing in a blouse that you can wear on a brunch outing or date.</p><p>It should pair well with the existing knits in your closet — a cardigan, a leather jacket, a fun pair of printed pants — but it still adds a little bit of extra joy. </p>

I'm a celebrity stylist. Here are 10 things you need to add to your wardrobe this year.

<p>Every year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated for more than two weeks in January or February, with many festivals and celebrations commemorating the occasion. On the first day of the New Year, the festival kicks off with the Firecracker Ceremony, during which locals light nearly 600,000 rounds of fireworks.</p><p>Last Thursday, we headed down to New York City's Chinatown to see the community's 16th annual Firecracker Ceremony.</p><h3>It is a tradition for Chinese people to light bamboo sticks filled with gunpowder on the first day of the year to create as large as commotion as possible. The practice is thought to ward off evil spirits. In more recent years, the tradition is carried on with firecrackers and fireworks. Thousands of firecrackers are strung up with red ribbon on the rope in the background.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The community performs the elaborate Firecracker Ceremony because fireworks are illegal in New York City. There were plenty of police on hand to make sure everything went smoothly.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The ceremony began with a speech by a community leader, who wished spectators "Gong Xi Fa Cai," or Happy New Year in Mandarin.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>There was a huge crowd for the ceremony despite the temperatures. It was a frigid 20 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the ceremony.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>After the opening speech, the emcee introduced the Brooklyn United Drumline marching band. They provided an energetic performance to start off the festivities.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>Next came the traditional Chinese ribbon dance. Dancers perform by whirling long strips of silk attached to short sticks through the air.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The woman on the right was keeping time for the dancers with her cymbals.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The dance dates to China's Han Dynasty in 206 BCE. It is thought that the dance originates from a man who saved an emperor from assassination by blocking a sword with the silk on his sleeve.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>Next came the dragon dance. While not as elaborate or large as the dragons displayed during the Chinese New Year's parade, these two were very acrobatic.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The two dragons dueled for a long time. It was an impressive dance.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>No Chinese holiday would be complete without food. Volunteers gave out copious amounts of Chinese food to those willing to wait in line.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>Many prominent community members were wearing red sashes. Red symbolizes good fortune and joy in Chinese culture. It is seen everywhere during New Year's celebrations.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>Many city politicians were in attendance to celebrate the New Year. On the left is a man dressed as Cai Shen, the Chinese god of wealth and prosperity.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>A group of schoolchildren took turns singing the American national anthem and the Chinese national anthem.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>A lion dance troupe performed a symbolic ritual next to celebrate the new year.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>During the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_dance#During_Chinese_New_Years_and_festivals">"cai qing," or plucking the greens,</a> ritual, the lions attempt to eat lettuce hung on a pole in front of them. The custom comes from the similar sounds of the words pluck (cai), vegetable (cài ), and fortune (cái). The lion "eats" the lettuce and spits it out in favor of the red envelope attached. During New Year's celebrations, red envelopes are filled with money.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>At the same time, the crowd shoots off large amounts of confetti in celebration.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>There was a lot of confetti on the ground after the dance.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>Finally, it was time for the actual firecrackers. The team in charge used this pyrotechnic firing system to start the festivities from a safe distance.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>This is what it looked like when it started. The ribbons and ornaments at the top were lined with firecrackers.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>The sound was deafening for those who were closest.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p><h3>And here's what it looked like near the end.</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/massive-escalator-10-floors-chongqing-china-2015-2">This massive outdoor escalator in China is 10 stories high</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="E4MnJhczpr-4OVHIvHLze5zQuiPf7GJI" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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