Changes

In the early Medieval period, celebrating the New Year was not as common and, in fact, celebrations were probably subdued. However, by the late Medieval period and early Modern period, the clergy did ask their congregation to use the New Year as a time of reflection and to correct mistakes of the past to live a better, less sinful life. The Methodists, in the 18th century under John Wesley, made a special service for New Year, called the Covenant Renewal. This included prayer and hymns where congregants would renew their commitment to God and each other. However, secular celebrations of New Year did become increasingly common in the 18th century. In fact, it was the secular celebrations of New Year that prompted the Methodists and other Protestant churches to commit to New Year services as a way to start the New Year. This tradition still continues in many Protestant and non-Protestant denominations today.