The **New Year's Day holiday** (January 1st) of the Republic of China, officially named **Founding Day of the Republic of China**, is a national holiday, usually a one-day holiday (with a make-up day if it overlaps with a weekend).

Origin and History

- On October 10, 1911, the Wuchang Uprising broke out (the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution), and revolutionary forces across the country responded, successfully overthrowing the Qing Dynasty.

- On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen was sworn in as the Provisional President in Nanjing, formally proclaiming the establishment of the **Republic of China**, and issued the "Provisional Presidential Declaration," ending with "New Year's Day of the First Year of the Republic of China." This was the first time the modern term "New Year's Day" appeared in official documents.

- Sun Yat-sen also announced the adoption of the Gregorian calendar (solar calendar), reasoning that "following the Xia calendar is to align with agricultural seasons; adopting the Western calendar is for statistical convenience," setting January 1st of the Gregorian calendar as the beginning of the new year, called **New Year's Day**, to distinguish it from the traditional Lunar New Year (later known as the Spring Festival).

Therefore, January 1st is designated as the **Founding Day of the Republic of China**, commemorating the formal establishment of the Republic of China.

Differences from National Day (Double Ten Day):

**National Day** (October 10th, Double Ten Day): Commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of 1911, a pivotal event in the Xinhai Revolution, considered the starting point for overthrowing the imperial system and establishing a republic. After the provisional government moved north in 1912, October 10th was officially designated as National Day.

**New Year's Day** (January 1st): Commemorates the formal establishment and founding of the Republic of China in 1912.

Both are national holidays, but their significance differs: Double Ten Day emphasizes the revolutionary uprising, while New Year's Day emphasizes the birth of the republic.

Current Holiday Status:

In Taiwan (the effective territory under the Republic of China's rule), New Year's Day is a statutory holiday, often marked by flag-raising ceremonies at the Presidential Office Building, performances by the three armed forces, and other celebratory activities, symbolizing a new year and a fresh start. Traditionally, unlike the Lunar New Year, New Year's Day leans more towards the modern celebrations of the Gregorian calendar.

This holiday originated from the historical moment of the founding of the Republic of China and remains one of the important national anniversaries.