The New Year is a time for change, moving on and, of course, resolution. The ancient Babylonians, the first recorded revellers, believed over 4,000 years ago that what you did on New Year's day was, in effect, your resolution for the year ahead.

The change-over of one year to the next is almost universally celebrated but, although the theme of rebirth and renewal are the same, the dates vary. The Romans were the first to go with January 1, in 153 BC. The month was named after their god, Janus, who has two faces, one looking back to the past; the other ahead to the future: another popular theme. Ancient and pagan cultures focused on seasonal changes. The Babylonians chose the spring equinox when nature starts to bloom into spring, as did many Christian countries until Pope Gregory XIII imposed his Gregorian Calendar in 1582. The winter solstice was another popular choice - the shortest day of the year when the balance between dark and light shifts and thoughts turn to new beginnings. A time of reflection on what the past year yielded and what the new one holds in prospect.

The major religions celebrate their New Years on different days. For the Muslims, in 2004, it is February 22, the first day of Muharram. The Hindus will celebrate their solar new year on Vaisakhi on April 13, and for the Jews it will be the first day of Rosh Hashaneh on September 16. And the Chinese, whose exuberant celebrations are always a media focus, will be partying on January 22 to welcome in the Year of the Monkey, a symbol of energy, activity, mischief and loyalty. The notion of New Year as a movable feast, might prove a welcome notion for any of us who face the coming year with the best of intentions but see our resolutions in tatters after a week or two. We can always start again Babylonian style towards the end of March.

Mark Winter