Since about 1600 most
countries have used 1 January as the first day of the year.
In
The historical year, which started on 1
January.
The liturgical year, which started on the
first Sunday in advent.
The civil year, which
from the 7th to the 12th century started on 25 December,
from the 12th century until 1751 started on 25 March,
from 1752 started on 1 January.
It is sometimes
claimed that having the year start on 1 January was part of the Gregorian
calendar reform. This is not true. This myth has probably started because in
1752
http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/year-history.html
For further information see this copyrighted article…
http://www.cree.ie/genuki/dates.htm