1752 was the first year in England and Wales, in which the civil or legal year began on 1st January. In Scotland, however, the New Year was celebrated on 1st January in 1600 for the first time, creating a discrepancy between the nations of Great Britain during the period 1600-1751.
The University of Nottingham tells us, “The 1st of January was not always recognised as marking the start of the year. In fact, until 1751, the civil (and ecclesiastical and legal) year was considered in England and Wales to begin on Lady Day, the 25th of March. This can create ambiguity, because for dates between the 1st of January and the 25th of March the historical year does not match the civil year.
“Thus, for example, a document dated the 25th of January 1748 (civil year) was actually written on what we would consider the 25th of January 1749 (historical year). The new historical year had begun but the civil year continued until the 25th of March. In order to address this ambiguity, researchers are advised to refer to the date as the 25th January 1748/9. Indeed, many contemporaries actually did the same thing, as in this example of a letter from Thomas Pelham-Holles, 4th Duke of Newcastle upon Tyne [later 1st Duke of Newcastle under Lyne]. The correct date according to the historical year is the latter of the two figures.”
In Regency England, New Year’s celebrations were modest compared to Christmas, with a focus on reflection, goodwill, and social connections. While elaborate balls and parties were reserved for Christmas and Twelfth Night, New Year’s Eve and Day still held significance with customs like small gatherings, toasts, and superstitions.
New Year’s Eve:
- Small Gatherings: Families and close friends would gather for informal dinners or parties.
- Toasts: People would raise a glass to wish for health and prosperity for loved ones.
- Reflection: It was a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new one.
- Midnight Observances: Church bells might ring, and households might light candles or make noises to ward off evil spirits.
- First Footing (in some regions): In the North of England and Scotland, the first person to enter a home in the new year was considered a harbinger of luck, often bringing symbolic gifts like coal, salt, or bread.
New Year’s Day:
- Continuation of Celebrations: Some New Year’s Eve gatherings might continue into the day.
- Formalities:The Lord Chamberlain’s office would set a deadline for applications to present daughters at court.
- Less Emphasis on Feasting: While New Year’s Day was not a major feast day, there was still an emphasis on starting the year fresh.
- House Cleaning: Some families would engage in thorough house cleaning, discarding old items and food to symbolize a fresh start.
Superstitions:
- First Footing: The first person to enter a home in the new year was believed to bring good or bad luck.
- Creaming the Well: In some regions, young women would race to draw the first water from a well, believing it would determine their marriage prospects.
- Other Superstitions: There were various other superstitions related to luck and prosperity for the new year, such as opening doors and windows at midnight.
Significance of the tradition of Creaming the Well:
- Marital Prospects: The possession of this first drawn water was thought to increase a young woman’s chances of marriage within the coming year. The belief was that if a woman could get the man she wished to marry to drink this water before the end of New Year’s Day, their union was destined.
- Curative Properties: Some also attributed curative properties to the first water drawn from the well on New Year’s Day.
- Ensuring Productivity: In certain areas, it was believed that washing the udders of cows with this water would ensure the animals’ productivity throughout the year.
Other Sources:
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