Happy New Year!

When do you celebrate the start of a new year? It may depend on your religion or what country you are in.

January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand -- who are closest to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations.

February 18 celebrations will mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (year of the pig), while the Islamic New Year (this year on January 20) will pass with reflection and relatively few rituals. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is also a holy time but is celebrated in September.

For more information about religious holidays, visit ReligionFacts.