History
During the
Middle Ages under the influence of the Catholic Church, many countries in western Europe moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals – December 25 (the
Nativity of Jesus), March 1, March 25 (the
Annunciation), or even
Easter. Eastern European countries (most of them with populations showing allegiance to the
Orthodox Church) began their numbered year on September 1 from about 988.