As we wind down the old year and ring in the new, let us take this time to wish you a Happy New Year! Now, let us enlighten you with some facts about the New Year here in Asia.

In Vietnam many celebrate not one, but two New Years. First is the familiar Gregorian celebration. Next comes Tet, which coincides with the Chinese New Year. Unlike the Jan.1^st New Year we all know about, Tet does not have a fixed date. Instead, it is based on the Lunar Calendar and takes place on its first day of the first month. In 2011, it fell on Feb.3^rd and in 2012, on the festival will occur on Jan. 23^rd.

In Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, people can celebrate as much as three New Years! After Jan.1^st and the Chinese New Year, many will then hit the streets on April 13^th-15^th and celebrate the Water Festival. Songkran (Thailand), Thingyan (Myanmar), Pee Mai (Laos), Chaul Chnam Thmey (Cambodia) as they are called in their respective countries, are at first gentle water pouring ceremonies signifying respect, show of blessings, good wishes and cleansing for the incoming year. In modern times, Along with the gentle tradition, the streets have also become an H2O war zone, with locals of all ages engaging in water fights. This is also the hottest time of the year for these countries making their actions justifiable.

Many Indonesians will also rejoice three New Years. Along with Jan.1^st and Chinese New Year (called Tahun Baru Imlek and celebrated by Indonesians of Chinese ancestry), the Islamic New Year is also observed and celebrated. Called Tahun Baru Hijriyah by the locals, the holiday adheres to the Islamic calendar which is about 11 or 12 days shorter than the Gregorian. Last year’s celebrations fell on Nov. 26^th and 2012’s edition on Nov.14^th.

After the Christmas/New Year period, many start their countdown for the next set of holidays. You may not have to wait that long. Come to Asia and you can celebrate up to three New Years!