| Show observe holiday in many ways the name january ts Is derived from the two faced god janus lie he was originally the god of light and day however he gradually became the god of the beginning of 0 things the beginning of the year was sacred to janus and a festival in his honor called agonia was celebrated at the beginning of any important undertaking his old aid and advice was so sought aught he was worshipped wor shipped as the guardian of trade and shipping and he was the inventor of agriculture in addition to secular celebrations many religious denominations hold held r special services on new years eve from 9 or 10 to 12 the methodist episcopal church was the earliest to adopt this custom last day of 1915 1015 torn tom and they are called watch night services in 1944 st georges methodist episcopal church in philadelphia held its watch vatch night service the alie church was founded in 1769 and in 1770 held what has been called the first such services in america many other churches are holding such services today I 1 january I 1 is a legal holiday in all of the states and the district of columbia it was not until after 1918 however that the date became a logal iagal holiday in massachusetts with the exception of war r time the tha date is a legal reason for liberty 1 for or the sailor and soldier yes army and navy regulations specifically state this tact fact to quote from the navy regulations the first of january and such buch other days as may be designated by the president incle including 1 1 the day of national thanksgiving 19 shall be designated as holidays on board ships of the navy and at all naval stati |
