New Year Day is another widely celebrated holiday which takes place on the 31 December. As one year comes to an end and a new one begins it is a good time for people to look back and forward to the future. Together with Ozzy, Christians celebrate New Year’s Eve as a time of miracles and big changes symbolized by huge fireworks instead of sparkling fireworks.
It is important to note, New Year origin dates back to ancient history practice of different civilizations. Babylonian people were probably one of the first to create any sort of New Years celebration about 4,000 years ago. New Year’s Eve Their new year started in mid march during the spring solstice it was ushered in by a very colorful celebration that lasted for 11 days and was called Akitu.
The Historical Roots of New Year’s Eve
The Roman Empire, following this solar calendar later set January 1st as New Year day, a change allegedly by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. This date was selected in honor of Janus the two-faced Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Janus is a god which is typically described as being bisected – one half faces backwards and the other half faces forward- which is symbolic of the past and the future.
, gradually, New Year’s Eve developed into a separate holidays which reflects characteristics of both, cultural and religious, as well as, social innovational concept from all over the world.
Global Traditions and Customs
Cultures around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve in different ways, hence the full incorporation of cultures. Still, the general motifs, such as renewal, thankfulness, and jubilation, are obvious for all the above listed religions.
Fireworks and Light Displays
The celebration of New Year’s eve can rarely be imagined without fire-works. More particular Sydney, Dubai, London and New York have spectacular fire-work displays where buildings are painted with light for the night. These pyrotechnics are signs of festivities and hoping in, in a manner, saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year.
The Times Square Ball Drop
For the Americans, the most common way of celebrating the New Year end is through falling of the ball in the New York’s Time Square. Since, 1907, a lamp lit crystal ball slid down a flag pole as millions offer physical and television presence. The events that lead up to, and mainly, New Years eve, ending with turning of the ‘ball’ is one of togetherness and happiness.
Eating Traditional Foods
New year has a special meaning in most cultures and people normally prepare a special diet to take on new year’s eve because the foods are associated with inspiration and good fortune. In Spain traditions include consumption of 12 grapes at the clock strike twelve o’clock at the New Year in order to promote a prosperous year. Lentils are consumed in Italy based on the belief that this legume will bring wealth; in southern states of America, black-eyed peas and collard greens are said to signify the wish for a prosperous new year.
Music, Dancing, and Festivities
Generally people dance and listen to music on New Years eve celebrations. Whether it is going to a superb party or listening to the best concert or even dancing in your house with a family member or friend, music creates the atmosphere of the beautiful and successful night. The other end of the traditional way people celebrate new year involves folk dances, contemporary dances, songs and even singing sessions like karaoke singing.
Resolutions and Reflection
As with most other celebrations internationally, New Year’s eve is also time for reflection. New year resolutions are goals or plans people set with the intention of changing their lives for the better,. These commitments represent a new year and aspirations of transformation in one which is ahead.
Cultural Superstitions and Beliefs
New Year’s Eve has many cultural practices, most of which are rooted in superstitions which surround unearthing something new in the New Year. It is also cultured in Brazil that wearing white will help bring forth peace and good luck. In Philippines, round things, symbolizing money draw wealth and Filipino families decorate their home with round fruits and wear clothes with round images such as polka dots.
Modern Innovations: Virtual and Sustainable Celebrations
Technology and awareness on the environment have changed how New Year’s Eve celebrations are undertaken. There are many organized virtual parties and celebrations so that people from different areas of the world can communicate and celebrate something together. Many cities have also turned to green celebrations in recent years as they adopted drone light shows as well as limiting the use of basic fireworks.
Planning the Perfect New Year’s Eve
It is no secret that getting ready for New Year’s eve is a big thing people look forward to. Here are some tips to make your celebration memorable:
Choosing the Right Venue
Depending on your more fun-loving frame of mind, it can take place in a garden or park, a house or a home as per ones preference. It is common to find it is city centres, restaurants, shops, and even beach resort areas.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Use brightly colored lights, streamers and balloons for your holiday decorations. New Year’s Eve It is possible to bring more spirit to this event by adding a theme or, for example, a nickname- “Roaring Twenties” or “Masquerade Ball”.
Preparing Delicious Food and Drinks
Master an dishes that are usually prepared to requires new year and special drinks. Champagne accompanies toasts while mocktails are a some for all kinds of guests to be indulged on.
Capturing Memories
Capture moments in your celebration through the use of a camera. Capture these moments and make a momentos such as scrapbook or a digital album to look back the moments.
Looking Ahead: The Spirit of New Year’s Eve:
Essentially, New Year’s eve is not just about celebration, jab at that, it is about hope, togetherness, and regeneration. Whenever the clock is turned to twelve or rather known as the new year, people across the globe look forward to a brand new start. It is a time when people look backward, take stock and look forward with hope and positive expectations.
Whether one wants to make the occasion grand or wants to have a personal party or just spend some time alone to have some time to think about the upcoming year, New Year’s Eve is the time to wish all those who one holds dear a happy new year. Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year to one and to all.
