“Winter Celebrations: Calendars, Myths, and the Global Meaning of Renewal”

In this episode, The Deep Dive unpacks the intertwined histories and cultural traditions behind the world’s most significant winter celebrations — from Christmas in the West to the many Lunar New Year festivals across Asia. We trace how the Roman Empire’s Julian calendar, and later the Gregorian reform, cemented January 1st as the start of the modern year, even as Asian societies continued to follow ancient lunisolar rhythms.We explore the mythological foundations that shaped these holidays: the fearsome beast Nian in Chinese folklore, the pagan midwinter rituals that influenced Christmas, and the symbolic foods and rituals that carry these stories into the present. From red envelopes and family banquets to gift exchanges and digital-age celebrations, we examine how tradition adapts to modern life.The episode also highlights the remarkable regional diversity of winter festivities — from Japan’s quiet New Year reflections to Korea’s ancestral rites, Taiwan’s temple customs, and Thailand’s unique blend of Buddhist and local practices.Ultimately, we reveal how these celebrations, despite their differences, share a universal purpose: reconnecting families, honouring ancestors, and marking the turning of the year with renewal, gratitude, and hope.