In Annunciation Style dating the new year started on 25 March , the feast of the Annunciation . In England , the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25 , was the first day of the new year until the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752 . The March 25 date was known as Annunciation Style ; the January 1 date was known as Circumcision Style , because this was the date of the Feast of the Circumcision , being the eighth day counting from December 25 when Christ was believed to be born .