In some areas the tradition persists, though it has been highly discouraged, particularly in urban areas. Many cities have parades to celebrate on Jan.1, followed by one of the most popular American tradition the college football bowl game. Ringing in the New Year on Jan. 1 is a tradition in itself. In the Middle Ages, most western countries celebrated the New Year on March 25, Annunciation Day. Most European countries adopted the Gregorian calendar, which is used today, around 1600.
Some religions have their own calendars with their own new year.
The Jewish celebrate the New Year on Rosh Hashanah, which falls in September or early October. Hindus celebrate the New Year on different dates. The Muslim New Year also falls on different days because their calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the New Year on Jan. 14. Many Chinese who live outside of China still celebrate the old Chinese New Year, which falls between January 21 and February 19.